Aspirin

Reverend Edward Stone's report on the rediscovery of the medicinal value of willow bark among subjects suffering from malarial symptoms is considered a significant milestone in the development of aspirin.

In 1823, scientists successfully isolated the active ingredient salicin from willow bark, but due to its expensive extraction process, it was not mass-produced.

Italian pharmacists successfully extracted the bioactive components of willow bark, leading to the isolation of salicin.

Joseph Buchner refined willow into yellow crystals and labeled it salicin, which was a significant development in the journey towards the synthesis of aspirin.

Salicin is also found in the meadowsweet flower by Swiss pharmacist Johann Pagenstecher and later by German researcher Karl Jacob Löwig.

Raffaele Piria produced a stronger compound from salicin crystals, naming it salicylic acid, which was a crucial step in the evolution of aspirin.

Charles Gerhart became the first person to chemically synthesize acetylsalicylic acid by replacing the hydroxyl group of salicylic acid, marking a significant advancement in aspirin's development.

Frédéric Gerhardt synthesized ASA by exposing acetyl chloride with sodium salicylate.

In 1859, Professor Hermann Kolbe at Marburg University successfully synthesized salicylic acid and elucidated its chemical structure. This marked a crucial advancement in the understanding and production of salicylic acid, laying the foundation for the development of aspirin.

Friedrich von Heyden decided to produce the synthetic form of salicylic acid in his company, marking a more economical approach.

The first rigorous clinical trial of salicin finds that it induces remission of fever and joint inflammation in patients with rheumatism.

In 1895, Arthur Eichengrün assigned Felix Hoffmann the task of developing a 'better' salicylic acid to counteract health issues related to prolonged use. Hoffmann discovered a way to chemically alter salicylic acid, leading to the creation of aspirin, which could be absorbed by the body without causing gastrointestinal distress.

Felix Hoffman acetylated the phenol group of salicylic acid to obtain acetylsalicylic acid in its purest form, leading to the creation of aspirin with minimal side effects.

On February 1st, 1899, the new compound acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) was named and registered as Aspirin. This marked the official recognition and branding of the drug that would become widely used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

On March 6, 1899, the Bayer Company officially registered the product under the trade name Aspirin. This marked the beginning of active distribution of the white powder to hospitals and clinics.

The first tablet form of aspirin was introduced in 1900, revolutionizing the ease of use for the drug. This innovation led to increased recognition among medical professionals.

The original powdered form of aspirin became available as a stamped tablet in 1904, making it more convenient for consumption.

By the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Bayer faced competition in major markets due to local ASA producers and phenol shortages. The war disrupted Bayer's operations.

German agents in the United States orchestrated a plot to secure phenol for aspirin production and indirectly aid the German war effort. The plot involved Thomas Edison creating a phenol factory to counter supply problems.

After World War I, Bayer lost the exclusive right to use the name 'aspirin'. The rights were acquired by Sterling Incorporated for $3 million, marking a significant shift in ownership.

The patent for aspirin expired in 1930, leading to the production of generic versions and significantly expanding its availability and impact.

In 1950, aspirin entered the Guinness World Records for being the most widely used drug worldwide, highlighting its significance in preventing cardiovascular disease.

In 1963, Collier conducted a study on the antagonistic effects of aspirin and similar drugs on kinins and SRS-A in the guinea-pig lung.

In 1971, scientists, including John Robert Vane and Priscilla Piper, began to understand how aspirin worked as an anti-inflammatory agent, leading to the discovery of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Their research identified prostaglandins and their role in causing various effects in the body.

In 1974, Peter Elwood conducted the first randomized controlled trial to study the therapeutic effect of aspirin in patients with myocardial infarction. The trial showed a significant reduction in total mortality by 12% and 25% after 6 and 12 months, respectively.

In 1975, Swedish biochemist Samuelsson discovered that aspirin could exert an antiplatelet effect by inhibiting thromboxane A2, leading to its use in preventing blood clot formation.

In 1976, researchers discovered the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) which is responsible for producing biological mediators, including prostaglandins. Aspirin was found to bind selectively and irreversibly to this enzyme, leading to its beneficial properties.

In 1980, a meta-analysis of six randomized clinical trials demonstrated that aspirin could decrease the risk of re-infarction by 21% in patients with myocardial infarction.

John Robert Vane, Sune K. Bergström, and Bengt I. Samuelsson were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1982 for their pioneering work on aspirin, including the discovery of its mechanism as an anti-inflammatory drug.

In 1985, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of aspirin for both treatment and secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction. This marked a significant milestone in the medical field.

In 1986, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration mandated warning labels on all aspirin products due to suggested links between children's consumption of aspirin and Reye's syndrome.

The ISIS-2 trial investigates the use of intravenous streptokinase, oral aspirin, both, or neither in cases of suspected acute myocardial infarction.

In 1994, The Antiplatelets Trialist Collaboration confirmed that aspirin could prevent further cardiovascular events and deaths in individuals with established vascular disease. This study provided strong evidence for the cardioprotective effects of aspirin.

In 2002, the Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration published a meta-analysis confirming aspirin's role in preventing death, Myocardial Infarction (MI), and stroke in high-risk patients.

In 2003, Szczeklik and Stevenson discussed the advancements in understanding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of Aspirin-induced asthma.

In February 2003, a study delved into the complex pharmacodynamics of aspirin resistance.

Miner and Hoffhines' research delves into the discovery of aspirin's antithrombotic effects.

In 2017, aspirin celebrated its 120th birthday, marking its enduring legacy as one of the most commonly used drugs globally.

In 2018, three major clinical trials questioned the conventional wisdom of using aspirin daily for preventing heart attacks, citing few benefits and consistent bleeding risks. This led to updated clinical practice guidelines in 2019.

In early 2019, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology revised the clinical practice guidelines regarding the routine administration of aspirin in elderly individuals at higher risk for bleeding but without underlying cardiovascular disease. This decision was based on the findings of the ASPREE clinical trial.

Study evaluating the prescribing pattern and adherence to guidelines for aspirin in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia.