Tadeus Reichstein

Tadeus Reichstein was a Polish-born Swiss chemist who successfully completed an independent synthesis of ascorbic acid, widely known as vitamin C, in 1933. This achievement allowed for the mass production of the vitamin for dietary use. His process is famously known as the Reichstein process.

Yes, Reichstein shared the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Philip Hench and Edward Kendall. The award was given for their groundbreaking work in isolating and identifying the hormones of the adrenal cortex. Their discoveries paved the way for modern steroid treatments.

Reichstein was instrumental in isolating and identifying various corticosteroids, including the vital hormone cortisone. His work allowed scientists to understand how the adrenal glands regulate metabolism and stress. This directly led to the development of cortisone treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Reichstein conducted the vast majority of his award-winning research at the University of Basel in Switzerland. He directed the pharmaceutical institute there and collaborated closely with industry leaders. His vitamin C synthesis was actually commercialized by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Hoffmann-La Roche.