Innovative Discoveries

There are many facts in history of medicine when appearance of surprising discoveries was result of random observations or findings. The three most striking examples so far are discovery of X-rays, antibiotics and Viagra.

In 1895, German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen drew attention to unusual green glow of objects in dark that had previously existed for some time near the high-voltage cathode tube. He also drew attention to the fact that there was a flash of photographic film that was packed, which was also close to high-voltage tube that was working. These unexpected observations allowed brilliant physicist to make an assumption about radiation presence that had not previously been known to mankind. Later, as it is known, this bold assumption was fully confirmed.

The history of antibiotics discovery is sequence of even more amazing coincidences. In 1928, British explorer Alexander Fleming accidentally discovered that some mold destroyed almost all types of bacteria that he grew for bacteriological experiments. However, instead of subjecting laboratory dishes to growing sterilization bacteria and starting experiments, Fleming thoroughly studied properties of mold, which we now know as Penicillin. So antibiotics were discovered, which have made revolution in medicine.

Viagra Creation

Viagra discovery became, apparently, the third greatest “accidental” discovery in medicine. This is evidenced by the fact that all discoveries, which were mentioned above, were awarded the Nobel Prize. The same high award in autumn of 1998 was awarded to researchers who discovered, among other things, Viagra properties.

Viagra history began in 1992 in the UK, Pfizerz Sandwich, during pharmacological research of Pfizer. The researchers conducted clinical trials of new drug substance – Sildenafil Citrate, which was developed as means for treating number of cardiac diseases. Scientists have expected that sildenafil citrate will help increase blood flow to cardiac muscle and lower blood pressure. However, it was noted that sildenafil citrate had no significant effect on blood circulation into cardiac muscle (myocardium) or on blood pressure. In parallel, it was found that many male patients who participated in study refused to return sildenafil pills, despite the end of testing. The reason for the refusal of all these patients was one – they all noted sharp improvement in erection quality. Thus, despite minimal impact of the new drug on blood circulation in myocardium, sildenafil caused significant blood flow to male genital organs.

Researchers of pharmacological company “Pfizer” reacted to this unexpected property of sildenafil citrate with due attention and were able to recognize in it a powerful means in fight against erectile dysfunction. The new drug was called Viagra – name was created as a result of merger of the words “Vigor” (power, energy) and Niagara – the most powerful waterfall in North America.

Since 1993, long-term clinical trials necessary to confirm Viagra properties have begun. As a result of these tests, high Viagra efficiency for erectile dysfunction treatment and high safety of this drug have been proven. And as a logical finale – on March 27, 1998, US Food and Drug Administration approved Viagra use for ED.