About this collection

Medical drugs are more than just compressed powder or bitter syrups. They are life saviour and one of the best rewards of a career in research. Did you know that behind any drugs there are amazing stories and incredible adventures of inspiring people that have dedicated their life to it?

In this collection, we will be looking at what does it take to discover a medical drug while exploring the life and journey of many scientists (and not) that have played a fundamental role in their creation. From the use of opium (a plant latex containing morphine) by the Sumerians in 5000 B.C. to the discovery of receptors (molecules that bind drugs) through colouring of biological tissues (Paul Ehrlich, 1872) and the contribution of Saint Aspren to the discovery of Aspirin, we will show you how fun, challenging and surprising the world of research is.

The articles of this collection will provide you with a very short biography of the most famous Inventors of today’s medical drugs. We hope these life-experiences will inspire you to take a further dive in drug research in the future. But we also hope that this will make you realise how many people and how much work is involved to help us enjoy life to the full.