Klaus Schmiegel

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Klaus Schmiegel
Born (1939-06-28) June 28, 1939 (age 84)
Chemnitz, Germany
NationalityGerman
Alma mater
Prozac
AwardsNational Inventors Hall of Fame, 1999
American Innovator Award, 1999
Scientific career
FieldsChemistry

Klaus Schmiegel (born June 28, 1939), is a

Prozac, a widely used antidepressant
.

Biography

Early life and education

Klaus Schmiegel was born in

pharmaceutical company
.

Primary accomplishment

At

presynaptic neuron to a postsynaptic neuron; the neurotransmitter returns to the presynaptic neuron after fulfilling its function, the reuptake
process. Therefore, slowing and diminishing serotonin reuptake boosts serotonin levels in the brain.

The scientists based their search on the template of the

Prozac.[2]

Prozac, the "Drug Of Despair"

Eli Lilly recognized the potential of its new drug, but the company first tested it as a

anti-obesity drug
, and a remedy for severe depression. After those testing failures, Eli Lilly succeeded in treating five mildly depressed people; fluoxetine had found its niche. Eli Lilly announced its findings in 1974 and launched Prozac in 1987 after receiving FDA approval.

The “wonder drug” replaced earlier medications, tricyclic antidepressants, which were less effective with serious side effects such as headaches, blurred vision and hypertension. By 1999, Prozac was bringing in $2.5 billion per year, 25% of Eli Lilly's revenue. The drug helped erase the stigma of depression, inspiring celebrities and public figures to flaunt rather than hide their sufferings.

Prozac, which is recognized by

Paxil
, which are also SSRIs, have experienced similar successes.

Unfortunately for Eli Lilly, its patent on Prozac expired in 2001, causing massive revenue losses. The company hopes to bounce back with its newest drug,

painkiller and an antidepressant combined.[3]

Other scientific work

Schmiegel is listed as an

inventor on all eighteen of his patents, and his patents are assigned to his company, Eli Lilly. Schmiegel's chemical work concentrated on supplements to bolster the health of animals (growth promotion), weight control agents, and antidepressants.[4]

Awards and recognition

In 1999, both Schmiegel and Molloy were inducted into the

U.S. Department of Commerce's Ronald H. Brown American Innovator award, honoring their great contribution to society.[6]

Later years

Schmiegel worked for Eli Lilly until his retirement in 1993. Though Schmiegel is retired, he still lives in Indianapolis near the Eli Lilly headquarters.

References

  1. ^ "Klaus Schmiegel | Lemelson". lemelson.mit.edu. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  2. ^ "Chemical & Engineering News: Top Pharmaceuticals: Prozac". pubsapp.acs.org. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  3. ISSN 0029-7712
    . Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  4. ^ "Klaus K. Schmiegel Inventions, Patents and Patent Applications - Justia Patents Search". patents.justia.com. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  5. ^ "NIHF Inductee Klaus Schmiegel Invented Prozac Medication". www.invent.org. 2023-07-06. Retrieved 2023-07-06.
  6. ^ "United States Patent and Trademark Office 1999 Annual Report" (PDF). Retrieved July 6, 2023.
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