Günther Friedländer

Günther Friedländer (1902–1976) was a renowned pharmacologist and chemist who made significant contributions to the field of pharmacology. He is best known for his work in the development of chemotherapy drugs and his research on vitamin B12.

Early Life and Education

Friedländer was born in 1902 in Berlin, Germany. He studied chemistry at the University of Berlin, where he earned his doctorate in 1925. His doctoral thesis focused on the synthesis of organic compounds.

Career

After completing his education, Friedländer worked as a research chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. He was employed by the Bayer company, where he conducted research on antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs.

In 1933, due to the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Friedländer, who was Jewish, emigrated to Palestine. There, he founded the Palestine Pharmaceutical Products Company, which later became known as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.

Friedländer's research during this period focused on the development of new drugs for the treatment of cancer. He was particularly interested in the potential of vitamin B12 as a treatment for pernicious anemia, a condition that can lead to cancer.

Legacy

Friedländer's work has had a lasting impact on the field of pharmacology. His research on vitamin B12 has contributed to our understanding of the role of vitamins in health and disease. His work in the development of chemotherapy drugs has helped to improve the treatment of cancer.

Friedländer passed away in 1976, but his legacy lives on in the many lives saved by the drugs he helped to develop.

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Chemotherapy
• Vitamin B12
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries