William C. Campbell

William C. Campbell was born on June 28, 1930, in Ramelton, County Donegal, Ireland. He later became a prominent biologist known for his work in parasitology. Campbell's research work would greatly contribute to the development of antiparasitic drugs. He pursued his education at Trinity College, Dublin, before moving to the United States for further studies and research work.

In 1957, William C. Campbell joined Merck & Co. where he began his career in research. At Merck, Campbell worked extensively on parasitic diseases, focusing on developing treatments that could alleviate the conditions of millions suffering from parasitic infections. His work at Merck would eventually contribute to the discovery of Ivermectin, a compound used to treat several parasitic infections.

In the 1970s, William C. Campbell and his team at Merck & Co., collaborating with Satoshi Ōmura from Kitasato University in Japan, discovered Ivermectin. This antiparasitic drug proved highly effective in treating a variety of parasitic infections. The discovery of Ivermectin marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of parasitic diseases and had a profound impact on global health.

In 1987, Merck & Co. announced a donation program for Ivermectin. Through this program, Ivermectin would be distributed for free to developing countries to combat river blindness (onchocerciasis) and lymphatic filariasis, both devastating parasitic diseases. This program helped millions of people worldwide and was critical in the fight against these debilitating diseases.

William C. Campbell retired from Merck & Co. in 2002, concluding a long and distinguished career at the company. During his time at Merck, Campbell's research led to significant breakthroughs in the treatment of parasitic diseases, cementing his legacy as a leading figure in parasitology and drug development. After his retirement, Campbell continued to be active in the scientific community.

On October 5, 2015, William C. Campbell was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside Satoshi Ōmura and Tu Youyou. Campbell and Ōmura were recognized for their discoveries concerning a novel therapy against infections caused by roundworm parasites. Their work on Ivermectin had a monumental impact on treating parasitic diseases like river blindness and lymphatic filariasis.

In 2016, William C. Campbell was featured in the book 'Scientists Greater than Einstein: The Biggest Lifesavers of the Twentieth Century' by Billy Woodward and Virginia Woodward. The book highlights Campbell's contribution to science and global health through his work on antiparasitic treatments. His inclusion in this book underscores the lasting impact of his scientific achievements.