Hans Christian Hagedorn

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Danish physician and biochemist



Hans Christian Hagedorn

Hans Christian Hagedorn (6 September 1888 – 6 October 1971) was a Danish physician and biochemist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of diabetes treatment. He is best known for co-discovering the insulin-stabilizing compound protamine and for founding the Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium, which later became part of Novo Nordisk, a leading global healthcare company.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Hans Christian Hagedorn was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Copenhagen, where he developed a keen interest in biochemistry and endocrinology. After completing his medical degree, Hagedorn continued his research in the field of diabetes, which was a major health concern at the time.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

Hagedorn's career was marked by significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of diabetes. In the early 1920s, he collaborated with August Krogh, a Nobel laureate, to establish the Nordisk Insulinlaboratorium. This institution was instrumental in the production and distribution of insulin in Scandinavia.

Discovery of Protamine Insulin[edit | edit source]

One of Hagedorn's most notable achievements was the discovery of protamine insulin. In collaboration with the Canadian scientist James Bertram Collip, Hagedorn found that the addition of protamine, a protein, to insulin could prolong its action in the body. This discovery led to the development of NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin, which became a standard treatment for diabetes and is still widely used today.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Hagedorn's work had a profound impact on the treatment of diabetes, improving the quality of life for millions of patients worldwide. His contributions to medical science were recognized with numerous awards and honors throughout his career. The Hagedorn Research Institute, named in his honor, continues to advance research in diabetes and related fields.

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