William E. Upjohn

1 WE Upjohn 5x8

William Erastus Upjohn (June 15, 1853 – October 18, 1932) was an American pharmacist and entrepreneur who founded the Upjohn Company, a major pharmaceutical manufacturing firm. He is best known for his development of the easily digestible friable pill, which revolutionized the way medications were administered.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

William E. Upjohn was born in Richland, Michigan, to Dr. Uriah Upjohn and Maria Mills Upjohn. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned his medical degree in 1875. After completing his education, Upjohn returned to Richland to practice medicine.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1885, Upjohn founded the Upjohn Pill and Granule Company, which later became the Upjohn Company. His invention of the friable pill, which could be easily crushed and dissolved, addressed the issue of hard pills that were difficult to digest. This innovation significantly improved the effectiveness of oral medications.

The Upjohn Company grew rapidly and became a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer. It was known for its high-quality products and innovative research. The company was eventually acquired by Pfizer in 2003.

Contributions to Medicine[edit | edit source]

Upjohn's development of the friable pill had a lasting impact on the pharmaceutical industry. It improved patient compliance and the effectiveness of treatments. Upjohn also held several patents related to pharmaceutical formulations and manufacturing processes.

Philanthropy[edit | edit source]

William E. Upjohn was also a noted philanthropist. He contributed to various causes, including education and healthcare. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and supported the development of the Kalamazoo College and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Upjohn married Rachel Babcock in 1880, and they had four children. He was an active member of his community and was involved in various civic organizations.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

William E. Upjohn's contributions to the field of medicine and his philanthropic efforts left a lasting legacy. The Upjohn Company continued to be a major player in the pharmaceutical industry for many years, and his innovations in drug delivery are still recognized today.

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]

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