science · 29 May 1951 · 73 years ago
In 1951, a patent for improved sulfonamide drugs was issued to James W. Clapp and Richard O. Roblin, (U.S. No. 2,554,816). Sulfa drugs are members of a group of synthetic antibacterial drugs containing the sulfanilamide molecular structure. Sulfonamides (first observed in 1932) were the first chemical substances that were systematically used to cure and prevent bacterial infections in humans. Of the 5,000 sulfa drugs prepared and tested, fewer than 20 continue to have therapeutic value because resistant strains of bacteria have developed. More potent antibacterial drugs have largely replaced the sulfa drugs. They remain useful in the treatment of urinary tract infection.
OnThisDay.net