Introduction | History | Chemical Structure | How it Works | Side Effects | How it Changed History | Terms | References
The discovery of ibuprofen was not accidental unlike many other molecules. Its initial purpose was to treat arthritis.
It was discovered in the 1950s by Boots Group, a pharmacy chain in the United Kingdom. It was discovered by Stewart Adams and his colleague John Nicholson. Interestingly enough, Adams first tested the drug on a hangover. The drug was made available to the public almost 20 years later in 1969. During the 1970s ibuprofen would become more popular all over the world. Finally, between 1978 and 1983 the drug started to be sold over-the-counter worldwide, and in 1984 the United States recognized it as an over-the-counter drug as well.