Domagk

Gerhard Domagk (30 October 1895 – 24 April 1964) was a German pathologist and bacteriologist credited with the discovery of the first commercially available antibiotic, Prontosil. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1939.

Early Life and Education

Domagk was born in Lagow, Brandenburg, Germany. He studied medicine at the University of Kiel and later at the University of Greifswald. His education was interrupted by World War I, during which he served as a soldier and was wounded.

Career and Research

After the war, Domagk resumed his studies and completed his medical degree. He joined the University of Münster as an assistant in the Pathological Institute. In 1927, he moved to the Bayer laboratories in Wuppertal, where he began his groundbreaking research on antibacterial agents.

Discovery of Prontosil

In the early 1930s, Domagk discovered that a red dye called Prontosil was effective against bacterial infections in mice. This was the first time a synthetic drug was shown to be effective against bacterial infections, marking the beginning of the antibiotic era. Prontosil was later found to be a prodrug, which is metabolized in the body to produce sulfanilamide, the active antibacterial agent.

Nobel Prize

In 1939, Domagk was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of Prontosil. However, he was forced by the Nazi regime to decline the prize. He was able to receive the diploma and medal after World War II in 1947.

Later Life and Legacy

Domagk continued his research in the field of chemotherapy and made significant contributions to the development of other antibacterial drugs. He passed away on 24 April 1964 in Burgberg, Bavaria, Germany.

Related Pages

• Antibiotic
• Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
• Bayer
• Sulfanilamide
• University of Kiel
• University of Greifswald
• University of Münster