Laughing Gas, Viagra, and Lipitor: The Human Stories behind the Drugs We Use

by Jie Jack Li

Overview

The stories behind drug discovery are fascinating, full of human and scientific interest. This is a book on the history of drug discovery that highlights the intellectual splendor of discoverers as well as the human frailty associated them. History is replete with examples of breakthrough medicines that have saved millions of lives. Ether as an anesthetic by Morton; penicillin as an antibiotic by Fleming; and insulin as an anti-diabetic by Banting are just a few examples. The discoverers of these medicines are doubtlessly benefactors to mankind—for instance, without penicillin, 75% of us probably would not be alive because some of our parents or grandparents would have succumbed to infections.
Dr. Jack Li, a medicinal chemist who is intimately involved with drug discovery, has assembled an astounding amount of facts and information behind important drugs through extensive literature research and interviews with many inventors of the drugs including Viagra and Lipitor. There have been many myths and inaccuracies associated with those legendary drugs. The inventors perspectives afforded this book an invaluable accuracy and insight because history is not history unless it is true.
The text is supplemented by many anecdotes, pictures and postage stamps. Both specialist and layman will find Laughing Gas, Viagra, and Lipitor informative and entertaining. Students in chemistry, pharmacy, and medicine, workers in healthcare and high school science teachers will find this book most useful.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195300994
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/07/2006
Edition description:	1ST
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	6.34(w) x 9.30(h) x 0.84(d)

About the Author

Pfizer Global Research and Development

Table of Contents

1. Cancer Drugs, From Nitrogen Mustards to Gleevec2. Drugs to Kill Germs3. Cardiovascular Drugs, From Nitroglycerin to Lipitor4. Sex and Drugs5. Drugs of the Mind6. Diabetes Drugs7. Anesthetics8. Anti-inflammatory Drugs9. ReflectionsBibliographyAppendix 1 Chemical Structures of the DrugsAppendix 2 Trademarks of the DrugsIndex

Editorial Reviews

"Laughing Gas, Viagra, and Lipitor:The Hunam Stories behind the Drugs We Use treats readers to the inspiring tales of discovery of dozens of drugs from digitalis to anesthetics to today's blockbuster pharmaceuticals."—C&EN News

From the Publisher