Hans Andersag

Hans Andersag (1902–1955) was a German chemist who is best known for his discovery of the antimalarial drug chloroquine in 1934. His work has had a significant impact on the field of tropical medicine, and his contributions continue to be recognized today.

Early Life and Education

Hans Andersag was born in Germany in 1902. He studied chemistry at the University of Berlin, where he developed an interest in pharmaceutical chemistry. After completing his studies, he began working at Bayer, a German multinational pharmaceutical company.

Career and Research

At Bayer, Andersag focused on the development of new drugs for the treatment of malaria, a disease that was a major health problem at the time. In 1934, he discovered chloroquine, a compound that proved to be highly effective in treating malaria. This discovery was a major breakthrough in the field of tropical medicine and has saved countless lives since its introduction.

Despite the significance of his discovery, Andersag's work was not immediately recognized. It was not until the 1940s, during World War II, that the value of chloroquine was fully realized. The drug was used extensively by military personnel to prevent and treat malaria, and it remains a key tool in the fight against the disease today.

Legacy

Hans Andersag's discovery of chloroquine has had a profound impact on global health. The drug has been used to treat millions of people suffering from malaria, and it continues to be a vital tool in the fight against the disease. Andersag's work has been recognized by numerous awards and honors, and he is considered a pioneer in the field of tropical medicine.

See Also

• Chloroquine
• Malaria
• Tropical medicine
• Bayer