David T. Wong

David T. Wong

Nationality	American
Known for	Discovery of Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Awards	Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

David T. Wong is a renowned American neuroscientist and pharmacologist, best known for his pivotal role in the discovery of Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, a widely used antidepressant. His work has significantly impacted the field of psychopharmacology and the treatment of depression.

Early Life and Education

David T. Wong was born in Taiwan and pursued his undergraduate studies at the National Taiwan University. He later moved to the United States to further his education, obtaining a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Oregon.

Career

Wong joined Eli Lilly and Company in 1968, where he embarked on a career that would lead to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of neuroscience. At Eli Lilly, Wong worked alongside other notable scientists, including Bryan B. Molloy and Ray W. Fuller.

Discovery of Fluoxetine

In the 1970s, Wong and his colleagues were involved in research aimed at developing new treatments for depression. Their work led to the discovery of Fluoxetine, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This class of drugs works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is believed to have a good influence on mood, emotion, and sleep.

Fluoxetine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987 and marketed under the brand name Prozac. It quickly became one of the most prescribed antidepressants worldwide, revolutionizing the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.

Contributions to Neuroscience

Beyond the discovery of Fluoxetine, Wong's research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the biochemical mechanisms underlying mood disorders. His work has paved the way for the development of other SSRIs and has influenced the direction of research in psychopharmacology.

Awards and Recognition

David T. Wong has received numerous accolades for his contributions to science and medicine. Among these is the prestigious Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research, which he received in recognition of his work in the field of neuroscience.

Legacy

Wong's discovery of Fluoxetine has had a lasting impact on the treatment of mental health disorders. His work continues to inspire new generations of scientists and researchers in the field of neuroscience and pharmacology.

Also see

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• Antidepressant
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Eli Lilly and Company