Nurofen’s success is the result of over 30 years of research and development. We are experienced in pain relief, and we are here to help.
Nurofen contains Ibuprofen which has anti-inflammatory properties
Nurofen (200mg) can be taken with water
No.1 branded pain relief1
Developed in the UK
The story of ibuprofen starts in 1953, with a team led by a talented young pharmacist named Dr Stewart Adams. It is a story of perseverance, a passion for science, and above all, a desire to improve people’s lives.
The Nurofen Story
Isolating the anti-inflammatory action of aspirin, then trying to improve it
1950s
Dr Adams started his research by looking at aspirin, and in particular its anti-inflammatory mode of action. He tested more than 200 salicylate compounds, similar to aspirin, but was unable to deliver a significant improvement. However, he did identify the carboxylic part of the molecule as important for the anti-inflammatory effect.1
Refining the properties of the ideal pain relief drug
1960s
Nurofen Cold & Flu licensed, the first ibuprofen-based remedy targeting cold and flu. A handful of candidate molecules worthy of a closer look were tested in a series of humantrials following the patent in 1962. Four were failures, but the fifth,‘2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propanoicacid’ showed exactly what they were looking for –and we now know it simply as ‘ibuprofen’.1
Study shows reduction in fever in children
1976
A study comparing how well antipyretics reduced fever in children found that ibuprofen had comparable antipyretic efficacy to aspirin, paracetamol, aminophenazone andindomethacin.2
Evidence in period pain
1978
A study evaluating the efficacy of ibuprofen in period pain found it was highly effective in relieving pain in women who experience cramps.7
Approved for patients with mild or moderate pain
1981
Following the success of a number of human trials for the treatment of a range of different types of pain, mild to moderate pain is added as an indication for ibuprofen in the UK3
A mission of science and perseverance on a global scale
1970s -1980s
Reports from the late 70s and early 80s showed the complexity of bringing ibuprofen to market as OTC Nurofen. It required a co-ordinated global effort and data from many clinical trials around the world, proving the safety and efficacy of ibuprofen in over 19,000 patients. Dr Adams remained instrumental throughout.4
A new era in self-care
1983
Throughout the 70s, large-scale studies proved the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen to treat a range of everyday types of pain, and the Department of Health decided to grant an over-the-counter license. Ibuprofen launched in pharmacy as Nurofen, and was hailed in consumer care as a “breakthrough in pain relief”.4,5,6
Dr Adams is awarded an OBE by the Queen
1987
In recognition of the invention of ibuprofen, Dr Adams is awarded an OBE by the Queen; a royal order of chivalry to recognise his contribution to science and pain relief making him an officer of the ‘Order of the British Empire’.
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References
Halford G et al. Platelets 2011; 23(6): 415–422.
Similä S et al. Scand J Rheumatol 1976; 5(2): 81–83.
Connelly D. A Brief History of Ibuprofen. Pharm J 2017: 299; 28-29.
Rainsford KD. Ibuprofen: A Critical Bibliographic Review. 1999. CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, London
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