The discovery of histamine H2-receptor antagonists

24 November 1997, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Harlow, UK

The plaque inscription reads:

'Pioneering work by scientists in the laboratories of this company led to the first clinically effective inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. The worldwide introduction of cimetidine (Tagamet) revolutionised the treatment of peptic ulcers by dramatically reducing the need for surgical intervention. The work is recognised as the classic example of the systematic modification of a natural messenger substance (histamine) to create a therapeutically useful blocking agent. Effective commercialisation of this discovery was greatly facilitated by the subsequent investigation and design of novel synthetic routes, which led to the development of an efficient chemical manufacturing process.'