Who is the father of pharma?

Asked by: Kiarra Kihn  |  Last update: May 30, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (30 votes)

There isn't one single "Father of Pharma," as different figures are honored for contributions to pharmacy's evolution, but William Procter Jr. is widely known as the "Father of American Pharmacy" for his pioneering role in the American Pharmaceutical Association and modern pharmacy practices. For foundational work in pharmacology as a distinct science, Oswald Schmiedeberg is called the "Father of Modern Pharmacology".

Who is the father of the pharmaceutical industry?

Prafulla Chandra Ray (2nd August, 1861-16 June 1944) He was an eminent Indian scientist who is hailed as the “Father of Indian pharmaceuticals”.

Who is the founding father of pharmacy?

Ben Franklin: Founding Father, Founding Pharmacist

In fact, Franklin made many contributions to the field that can still be seen today. As a young man, Ben Franklin started off in pharmacy, working as a clerk in a local mercantile store and dispensing various medicines and herbs.

Who is the father of pharmacology?

Oswald Schmiedeberg, now known as the father of pharmacology, established it as a distinct scientific field. Modern pharmacology has made tremendous advances, particularly after World War II. Key contributions of modern pharmacology include: Isolation of compounds to remove toxic substances.

Who is the father of pharmacy in America?

William Procter, Jr. is recognized as the “Father of American Pharmacy.” He was a practitioner, experimenter, editor, association leader and professor. His vigorous leadership, energy and enthusiasm are a few reasons why he is considered one of the most admired American pharmacists.

The Birth of the Pharmaceutical Industry

20 related questions found

Who invented the first pharmacy?

Babylon, a state within Mesopotamia, provided the earliest known practice of running an apothecary i.e. pharmacy.

Who is the father of medicine and pharmacy?

Though it has been documented that the practice of medicine dates as far back as 3000 B.C., Hippocrates is often dubbed as the "Father of Medicine" for his long-lasting contributions to the discipline (despite the fact that he lived in the vicinity of 400 B.C.).

What is the big Bible of pharmacology?

The most universally respected and read medical text in all of pharmacology, Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics represents the pinnacle of authority and accuracy in describing the actions and uses of therapeutic agents in relation to physiology and pathophysiology.

Who is the father of pharmacist?

Father of Pharmacy: Mahadeva Lal Shroff

Mahadeva Lal Schroff, properly referred to as the Father of Pharmacy Education in India, passed away on August 25, 1971, and he surely remains an inspiration to all pharmacists working in this nation, regardless of their branches or responsibilities. Prof.

What are the 4 stages of drug development?

Four phases of drug development. Drug development can be divided into four phases: discovery, preclinical studies, clinical development and market approval. The image below provides an overview of the process, including an estimated timeline for each step.

Who are the big 3 in pharma?

The three biggest pharmaceutical companies by market capitalization in early 2026 are Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie, leading the industry with substantial valuations, though rankings can vary slightly by metric (revenue vs. market cap) and exact date, with Pfizer and AstraZeneca also consistently near the top. 

Who is the most famous pharmacist in history?

These 7 famous pharmacists include the following, in no particular order.

  • William Procter, Jr (1817- 1874).
  • Dr. Charles Rice (1841–1901).
  • Sir Alexander Fleming (1881–1955).
  • John S. Pemberton (1831–1888).
  • Jesse Boot, 1st Baron Trent (1850–1931).
  • Friedrich Sertürner (1783–1841).
  • Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. (1911–1978).

Who are the big 5 in pharma?

The "Big 5" pharmaceutical companies, often identified by market cap or revenue, typically include giants like Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co, AbbVie, and Eli Lilly, with Novo Nordisk and AstraZeneca also frequently ranking among the top global players, though rankings shift yearly based on sales and market valuation. These companies dominate drug discovery, development, and sales, focusing on areas like oncology, immunology, and vaccines. 

Who owns OxyContin now?

OxyContin was owned and manufactured by Purdue Pharma, a company controlled by the Sackler family, who developed and aggressively marketed the opioid drug, leading to widespread addiction and numerous lawsuits, culminating in Purdue's bankruptcy and a massive settlement agreement with the Sacklers in 2025. 

Which country is no. 1 in the pharma industry?

The United States is the #1 country in the pharmaceutical industry, leading significantly in market size, production, innovation, and clinical trials, accounting for over half of the global market share, with major players like Pfizer and J&J based there. While China, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland are also major players, the U.S. consistently dominates due to its strong R&D, large market, and established giants.
 

Who is considered the father of modern pharmacy?

He has been referred to as the 'Father of American Pharmacy. ' William Procter Jr. American Pharmaceutical Association Historical Marker at N.

Who is the leader of pharmacy?

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is the statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It is constituted under the Pharmacy Act of 1948. The Council was first constituted on 4 March 1948. Montubhai Patel was elected as the new president of PCI in May 2022.

Which famous American founding father also worked as a pharmacist?

Founding Father of pharmacy & country

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, is often also considered one of the founding fathers of pharmacy. He played a part in establishing one of the first public hospitals and hospital pharmacies in the United States.

Who is the father of old pharmacology?

Rudolf Buchheim (1 March 1820 – 25 December 1879) was a German pharmacologist born in Bautzen (Budziszyn). Rudolf Bucheim and his well-known student, chemist Oswald Schmiedeberg (1838–1921) are considered to be the founders of modern pharmacology, with Bucheim sometimes described as the "Father of Pharmacology".

Which book is best for pharmaceutics?

Recommended Textbooks and Other Reference Materials

  • Aulton's Pharmaceutics by Michael E. ...
  • Physicochemical Principles of Pharmacy by Alexander T. ...
  • Modern Pharmaceutics, Fifth Edition, Volume 1 by Alexander T. ...
  • Pharmaceutical Compounding and Dispensing by John Marriott; Dawn Belcher; Keith A.

What is the Blue Bible pharmacology?

Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, commonly referred to as the Blue Bible or Goodman & Gilman, is a textbook of pharmacology originally authored by Louis S. Goodman and Alfred Gilman.

Who is the godfather of medicine?

Hippocrates is considered to be the father of modern medicine because in his books, which are more than 70. He described in a scientific manner, many diseases and their treatment after detailed observation.

Who is known as the mother of medicine?

The “A HeLa Story: Mother of Modern Medicine” play and exhibit chronicle the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells aided science without her consent.

Who is the father of diagnosis?

Hippocrates' contributions to medicine have had a profound and lasting impact. His approach to diagnosis, patient care and medical ethics laid the foundation for modern medicine. Although many aspects of his life remain obscure, his work continues to shape the principles and practice of medicine today.