say a silent prayer of thanks for Professor Furchgott

Professor Robert Furchgott has died.  This news is unlikely to mean anything to members of the public except for one thing, and that is that this brilliant scientist played an important part in the early stages of development which led to the discovery of the erectile dysfunction medication Viagra.

Professor Furchgott conducted a lot of research which showed that the compound nitric oxide was an essential part of the human cardiovascular system and that it played an important function in dilating blood vessels which facilitated good blood flow.

His research with nitric oxide was heavily sponsored by Pfizer who originally believed that his knowledge could be put to use in developing a drug to deal with heart problems and clinical testing done to see whether it was effective in people who suffered from Angina was started. It was only when the men in the study started to report pleasant side effects that the power of Viagra was fully realised.

Professor Furchgott who was an American citizen won a much coveted Nobel Prize in 1998 for his pioneering work. Millions of men all around the world have much to be thankful for and should maybe stop for a minute and say a silent prayer of thanks for Professor Furchgott whose work possibly has had a huge impact on the quality of their lives.

One of these men who owes Professor Furchgott a thank you or two is none other than Playboy boss Hugh Hefner who credits his ability to have three girlfriends in old age down to the use of Viagra. Many people believe that the discovery of Viagra was one of the most significant medical discoveries of the 20th Century and one which has allowed men to have a far better quality of life in old age.