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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Aspirin

History of Aspirin
History of Aspirin

Aspirin's history dates back over 3500 years to when willow bark was used as medicine. It was officially born in 1897 and has since become a widely used medication.

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1550
Ebers Papyrus recommends myrtle leaves infusion for rheumatic and back pain

In 1550 BCE, the Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical text, recommended an infusion of dry myrtle leaves for rheumatic and back pain.

1763-04-25
First Clinical Trial Recorded in Medical History

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.

1823
Isolation of Salicin by Scientists

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

1824
Extraction of bioactive components of willow bark

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

1828
Joseph Buchner Refines Willow into 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.

1830
Salicin found in meadowsweet flower

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

1838
Raffaele Piria Produces Salicylic Acid

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

1852
Charles Gerhart Synthesizes Acetylsalicylic Acid

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.

1853
Synthesis of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)

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

1859
Synthesis of Salicylic Acid by Professor Hermann Kolbe

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.

1874
Production of synthetic form of salicylic acid

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

1876
First rigorous clinical trial of salicin

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

1895
Development of Aspirin

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.

1897-08-10
Felix Hoffman Acetylates Phenol Group

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.

1899-02-01
Registration of Aspirin

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.

1899-03-06
Registration of Aspirin by Bayer Company

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.

1900
First Tablet Form of Aspirin

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.

1904
Availability of powdered form of aspirin as a tablet

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

1914
World War I and Bayer

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.

1915-07-24
Great Phenol Plot

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.

1919
Bayer Loses Sole Right to Aspirin Name

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.

1930
Expiration of Aspirin Patent

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

1950
Aspirin Enters Guinness World Records

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

1963
Antagonism by aspirin and like-acting drugs

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.

1971
Discovery of Aspirin's Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism

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.

1974
First Randomized Controlled Trial on Aspirin for Myocardial Infarction

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.

1975
Discovery of Aspirin's Antiplatelet Effect

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.

1976
Discovery of Cyclooxygenase (COX) Enzyme

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.

1980
Meta-Analysis Revealing Aspirin's Effectiveness in Reducing Re-infarction Risk

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.

1982
Nobel Prize Awarded for Aspirin Research

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.

1985
FDA Approval for Aspirin in Treatment and Prevention of AMI

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.

1986
FDA required warning labels on all aspirin

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.

1988
ISIS-2 Trial

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

1994
Confirmation of Aspirin's Efficacy in Preventing Cardiovascular Events

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.

1997
Aspirin celebrates 100 years

In 1997, aspirin turned 100 years old.

2000
Assyrians document use of willow leaves for rheumatic inflammation

In 2000 BCE, Assyrians documented the use of willow leaves for rheumatic inflammation on stone tablets during the Sumerian period.

2002
Antithrombotic Trialists' Collaboration confirms aspirin's role in preventing death, MI, and stroke

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.

2003
Advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of Aspirin-induced asthma

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

2003-02
Parsing an enigma: the pharmacodynamics of aspirin resistance

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

2004
Publication of 'Aspirin: The Remarkable Story of a Wonder Drug'

In 2004, a book titled 'Aspirin: The Remarkable Story of a Wonder Drug' was published.

2007
Discovery of Aspirin's Antithrombotic Effects

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

2015
US Preventative Services Task Force recommends aspirin for prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer

In 2015, the US Preventative Services Task Force recommended aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

2017
Celebration of Aspirin's 120th Birthday

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

2018
Clinical Trials Cast Doubt on Aspirin's Benefits

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.

2019
Modification of Clinical Practice Guidelines on Aspirin Use in Elderly

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.

2020-12-01
Low-dose aspirin and COX inhibition in human skeletal muscle

Study on the effects of low-dose aspirin and COX inhibition in human skeletal muscle.

2021-03-01
Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease

Evaluation of aspirin's role in primary prevention of coronary artery disease.

2021-04-03
Production of salicylic acid; a potent pharmaceutically active agent and its future prospects

Review on the production and future prospects of salicylic acid as a potent pharmaceutical agent.

2021-04-17
Historical perspective of aspirin: A journey from discovery to clinical practice

Exploration of the historical journey of aspirin from its discovery to current clinical practice.

2021-06-10
Aspirin and antiplatelet treatments in cancer

Discussion on the use of aspirin and antiplatelet treatments in cancer patients.

2021-12-01
Aspirin prescribing pattern and guidelines-adherence evaluation for primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases

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

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Aspirin
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