Robin Ganellin worked as a medicinal chemist at Smith Kline & French Laboratories from 1958 to 1978. There, he co-discovered histamine H2-receptors with James Black and co-invented the anti-ulcer drug cimetidine, which revolutionised the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. He subsequently served as Director then Vice-President of Research/Chemical Research.
Between 1986 and 2003, Robin was SmithKline & French Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at University College London, becoming Emeritus Professor after his retirement. During this time, he co-discovered butabindide, an inhibitor of the enzyme tripeptidyl peptidase II, and co-invented the histamine H3-receptor antagonist drug, pitolisant. He also chaired the IUPAC Subcommittee on Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development for ten years.
Robin’s many awards include the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Medal for Medicinal Chemistry and Tilden Medal. He has also received the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Award and the Pratesi Gold Medal of the Societa Chimica Italiana. He was inducted into the US National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1990 and the ACS Division of Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame in 2007.
Professional position
- Emeritus Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, University College London (UCL)
Subject groups
- Chemistry
Chemistry, biological, Chemistry, organic
