Gerhard Domagk

30 October 1895 – 24 April 1964

Gerhard Domagk was a German pathologist and bacteriologist who discovered the antibacterial effects of the sulfonamide drug Prontosil, launching the era of sulfa antibiotics. He was awarded the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine but was forced by the Nazi regime to decline it, receiving the medal only after the war. His work saved millions of lives from bacterial infections.

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Life events

Born in Lagow, Brandenburg, German Empire
30 October 1895

Born in the town of Lagow in present-day Poland.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Studied medicine at the University of Kiel
1921

Completed his medical training after serving in the First World War.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Joined Bayer at IG Farben
1927

Became director of the institute for experimental pathology and bacteriology.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Discovered the antibacterial action of Prontosil
1932

Showed that the sulfonamide dye Prontosil cured streptococcal infections in mice.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Published findings on Prontosil
1935

Reported the therapeutic effect of Prontosil, launching sulfa drug therapy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
1939

Recognized for discovering the antibacterial effects of Prontosil.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Received the Nobel medal after the war
1947

Having been forced to decline in 1939 by the Nazi regime, he formally received the honor.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Burgberg, West Germany
24 April 1964

Died at the age of 68.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓