Emil von Behring

Emil von Behring was born in Hansdorf, in the Kingdom of Prussia, on March 15, 1854. He was the eldest child of August Georg Behring, a schoolmaster, and his wife Augusta. Von Behring showed early academic promise, which led him to attend the University of Berlin, where he pursued medicine. His early life and education set the stage for his later groundbreaking work in immunology and infectious disease treatment.

In March 1889, Emil von Behring was appointed as the assistant at the Institute for Infectious Diseases which was led by Robert Koch, a prominent bacteriologist. This job gave him the opportunity to immerse himself in advanced research on infectious diseases. Under Koch's guidance, von Behring worked on several pathogens, exploring novel treatments and developing therapeutic serums, which became a pivotal point in his career.

In December of 1890, Emil von Behring, working with the Japanese scientist Shibasaburo Kitasato, discovered the diphtheria antitoxin. This was a major breakthrough in medical science, providing the first effective means of treating the deadly disease that affected many children. The antitoxin worked by neutralizing toxins produced by the diphtheria bacteria, thus paving the way for the development of immunotherapy.

In October 1892, Emil von Behring published a groundbreaking paper on the applications of serum therapy for infectious diseases. His work detailed how serums could be used to immunize individuals against diseases such as diphtheria and tetanus. This publication laid the groundwork for significant advancements in immunotherapy and earned him recognition as one of the foremost scientists in the treatment of infectious diseases.

In September 1893, the German Emperor recognized Emil von Behring for his contributions to medical science, specifically for his work on diphtheria antitoxin. This recognition not only highlighted his achievements but also increased public awareness and support for medical research. His work gained governmental backing, which facilitated further research and development of medical treatments.

In April 1894, Emil von Behring received a patent for a new tuberculosis treatment. This treatment was based on his earlier work in bacteriology and the development of therapeutic serums. Although his tuberculosis serum therapy was not as successful as the diphtheria antitoxin, it contributed to further research in tuberculosis treatments and demonstrated his ongoing commitment to combat infectious diseases.

In June 1895, Emil von Behring, in collaboration with the prominent scientist Paul Ehrlich, published research on immunity that leveraged their combined expertise. This collaboration significantly advanced understanding of the immune system and the potential of therapeutic serums. Ehrlich would later become famous for his work on chemotherapy and further development of immunology as a field.

On February 1, 1896, Emil von Behring married Else Spinola. Else was the daughter of a prominent family, and their marriage provided Behring with both personal happiness and social stability. The couple had several children, and Else was known to be supportive of her husband's scientific endeavors, playing a key role in managing his personal and professional life, which allowed him to focus on his research.

On December 10, 1901, Emil von Behring was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of the diphtheria antitoxin. This honor recognized his groundbreaking work in developing serums that provided immunity against diphtheria, saving countless lives and establishing the foundation for future research in immunology. His Nobel Prize was a testament to his significant contributions to medical science.

On May 5, 1904, Emil von Behring founded Behringwerke, a pharmaceutical company in Marburg, Germany. The company's goal was to produce and distribute vaccines and antitoxins, including the diphtheria serum. Behringwerke played a crucial role in making these medical breakthroughs accessible to the public, thereby enhancing public health infrastructures and contributing to the field of biotechnology.

Emil von Behring passed away on November 16, 1913, in Marburg, Germany. He left behind a legacy as one of the pioneers of immunology and the treatment of infectious diseases. His groundbreaking work on serums and antitoxins laid the foundation for modern public health and vaccination programs, and he is remembered as a towering figure in medical history. His passing marked the end of a significant era in the fight against infectious diseases.