Aspirin a Brief History

Introduction One hundred years ago, a young chemist in Germany made a discovery which, today, continues to ease our aches and pains, reduce our fevers, fight inflammation and save lives. On August 10, 1897, this chemist, Felix Hoffmann, discovered a stable form of acetylsalicylic acid, the active ingredient in aspirin. Hoffmann had been seeking a pain-relieving medication for his father's debilitating rheumatism. Not only did the drug ease his father's pain and inflammation, but when it was …

…heart attacks and strokes. Today, aspirin is not only known for its effect on the heart, but it is generally regarded as one of the safest, most cost-effective tools in the fight against cardiovascular disease. Today and into the future, research on the emerging cardiovascular benefits of an aspirin regimen continues. Research is also ongoing to explore possible links between aspirin and prevention of other diseases including some cancers, diabetes, migraine headaches and Alzheimer's disease.