Synalar, a Symbol of Progress in Dermatology

The discovery and development of halogenated corticosteroids in the second half of the 20th century revolutionized the treatment of inflammatory and allergic skin conditions. Among these advancements, Synalar, a topical corticosteroid based on fluocinolone acetonide, emerged as a milestone in dermatology. First synthesized in 1957 by the pharmaceutical laboratory Syntex, based in Palo Alto, California, and developed at its research center in Mexico City, Synalar marked a turning point in the management of skin disorders. This article reviews the history of Synalar, its impact on medicine, and its enduring relevance in the pharmaceutical market.
 
Origins: Syntex and Innovation in Corticosteroids
 
In the 1950s, corticosteroid research was in full swing, driven by the discovery of cortisone and its therapeutic applications. However, early corticosteroids had limitations, such as low potency and significant systemic side effects when applied topically. Syntex, a pioneering company in steroid chemistry, set out to overcome these barriers. Founded in 1944 in Mexico and later established in Palo Alto, Syntex had already gained recognition for its advances in synthesizing steroid hormones, including progesterone.
 
In 1957, Syntex scientists, working in their research department in Mexico City, successfully synthesized fluocinolone acetonide, a synthetic derivative of hydrocortisone. The key to their innovation was the incorporation of a fluorine atom at position 9 of the steroid nucleus, significantly enhancing the compound’s potency. This chemical modification not only boosted the corticosteroid’s anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive activity but also minimized systemic absorption, making it ideal for topical use. The resulting compound was named fluocinolone acetonide, and Syntex marketed it under the brand name Synalar in 1959, becoming one of the first halogenated corticosteroids available on the market.
 
Synalar: A Breakthrough in Dermatological Treatment
 
Synalar was initially introduced in concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.025%, designed to treat a wide variety of inflammatory, allergic, and pruritic skin conditions. Its ability to relieve symptoms such as redness, itching, inflammation, scaling, and crusting quickly made it a drug of choice for disorders like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, and discoid lupus erythematosus.
 
Fluocinolone acetonide, classified as a potent grade III corticosteroid, offered superior efficacy compared to earlier corticosteroids like hydrocortisone, thanks to its greater affinity for glucocorticoid receptors and localized action. Additionally, its formulation in cream, ointment, solution, shampoo, and oil allowed it to meet diverse clinical needs, from scalp applications to the treatment of extensive lesions. Synalar’s versatility, combined with its efficacy, positioned it as a leader in the dermatological market.
 
Synalar also stood out for its use in combinations with other active ingredients, such as neomycin (Synalar-Neo), an antibiotic that addresses secondary bacterial infections in dermatoses, or with agents like ciprofloxacin in otic preparations. These formulations expanded its therapeutic scope, including conditions like external otitis and inflamed hemorrhoids.
 
Impact and Evolution in Dermatology
 
The launch of Synalar marked a paradigm shift in dermatology. Before its arrival, treatments for inflammatory skin conditions were limited and often required systemic therapies with higher risks of adverse effects. Synalar provided a safe and effective alternative, enabling physicians to treat localized conditions with minimal systemic absorption. Its success inspired the development of other halogenated topical corticosteroids, solidifying Syntex’s position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
 
Over the decades, Synalar remained relevant due to its proven efficacy and safety profile when used as directed. Clinical studies and reviews have supported its utility in managing recalcitrant dermatoses, although clear precautions have been established, such as avoiding prolonged use in children, on large areas, or under occlusive dressings, due to risks of skin atrophy, hypopigmentation, or suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
 
The drug has also undergone commercial adaptations. In addition to its classic presentations, Synalar has been marketed under names like Fluocid Forte, Gelidina, and Synalar Gamma, and in combinations such as Synalar Rectal for hemorrhoids. Its availability in various concentrations and formats has allowed for personalized treatment based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s sensitivity.
 
Current Relevance and Legacy
 
More than six decades after its launch, Synalar remains a cornerstone in dermatology. Despite the emergence of new topical corticosteroids and biologic treatments, Synalar’s cost-effectiveness, versatility, and efficacy keep it a preferred choice for physicians and patients. In many countries, it is available both in generic form and under commercial brands, ensuring its accessibility.
 
Synalar’s legacy extends beyond its clinical impact. It represents Syntex’s success as a pioneer in steroid research and serves as an example of how chemical innovation can transform medical practice.
 
Synalar is, therefore, much more than a medication: it is a symbol of progress in dermatology. From its synthesis in 1957 to its continued use in the 21st century, it has alleviated the suffering of millions of patients with inflammatory and allergic skin conditions. Despite the challenges associated with topical corticosteroids, its efficacy, versatility, and safety, when used correctly, have cemented its status as a leader in its field.
 
Synalar’s impact endures, not only in pharmacies and clinics but also in the history of pharmaceutical innovation, proving that a well-executed discovery can withstand the test of time.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

The Arctic lightning that illuminates European Football

In the icy city of Bodø, nestled in the heart of the Arctic Circle, beats the heart of a club that has defied expectations and written a golden page in the history of Norwegian football: Fotballklubben Bodø/Glimt. Founded in 1916, this team, known as "The Lightning of Bodø" (Glimt means "flash" or "lightning" in Norwegian), has overcome geographical, climatic, and competitive barriers to become the first Norwegian club to reach the semifinals of a European competition, the UEFA Europa League in 2025. This milestone calls for a journey through the fascinating trajectory of a team that embodies resilience, ambition, and the spirit of northern Norway.
 
Origins and Early Steps (1916-1960)
 
Bodø/Glimt was born on September 19, 1916, relatively late compared to other clubs in the Nordland region, such as those in Narvik or Mo i Rana. Founded as Footballclub Glimt, it had in Erling Tjærandsen, its first president, a key figure who also excelled as a footballer and skier. In its early days, the club faced a lack of local rivals, playing its first match against the Bodø Institute. In 1919, Glimt won its first title, the Nordland County Championship, laying the foundation for its regional prestige.
 
The 1920s were challenging, marked by economic troubles and a morale crisis that led to considerations of merging with Skiclub B. & O.I., an idea that ultimately fell through. However, the arrival of figures like Jørgen Juve in 1929 and the adoption of indoor training in the 1930s to counter the harsh Arctic winters revitalized the club. During this decade, Bodø/Glimt established itself as a reference in the north, winning nine regional championships.
 
The Fight for National Recognition (1960-1980)
 
Until the 1960s, teams from northern Norway, including those from Nordland, Troms, and Finnmark, were marginalized from national football due to the belief that they could not compete with southern clubs. It wasn’t until 1963 that they were allowed to participate in the Norwegian Cup, and until 1972 in the Eliteserien, the top tier. This exclusion fueled resentment in the north but also stoked the determination of clubs like Bodø/Glimt.
 
In 1976, after defeating Odd 4-0 and drawing 1-1 with FC Lyn Oslo, Bodø/Glimt earned promotion to the first division, becoming the second northern team to achieve this after FK Mjølner. Their 1977 debut was spectacular: runners-up in both the league and cup, though they fell to Lillestrøm SK in both competitions. However, instability marked the end of the decade, with relegation in 1980 after finishing last.
 
The Dark Years and Resurrection (1980-2000)
 
The 1980s were the most difficult in the club’s history. Relegated to the second division and even the third regional tier, Bodø/Glimt lost its status as Bodø’s main team, temporarily surpassed by Grand Bodø. However, a revival came in 1991 under Jan Muri’s leadership, which returned the club to the first division. In 1992, with Trond Sollied as coach, Bodø/Glimt achieved a historic milestone: Norwegian Cup champions (2-0 against Strømsgodset IF) and league runners-up in 1993, a meteoric rise that marked a golden era.
During the 1990s, the club solidified its place in the Eliteserien and began making a name in Europe, facing clubs like Sampdoria (1994) and Napoli (1976-77) in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, though with mixed results. These experiences laid the groundwork for future international aspirations.
 
The 21st Century: From Instability to Dominance (2000-2020)
 
The new millennium brought ups and downs. After years of promotions and relegations, Bodø/Glimt hit rock bottom in 2016, dropping to the second division. However, this setback marked the start of a transformation. In 2017, under Kjetil Knutsen’s guidance, the club returned to the Eliteserien, and in 2019, it finished second, signaling the dawn of a dominant era.
 
The year 2020 was historic: Bodø/Glimt won the Eliteserien for the first time, with an attacking style that yielded 103 goals in 30 matches and a 19-point lead over second-placed Molde. This title, the first for an Arctic club, broke the hegemony of Rosenborg and Molde. In 2021, they retained the championship, cementing their status as a Norwegian powerhouse.
 

The Conquest of Europe (2020-2025)
 
Bodø/Glimt’s European breakthrough began in the 2021-22 Conference League, where they stunned the world by thrashing José Mourinho’s Roma 6-1 and reaching the quarterfinals, matching the best campaigns of Norwegian clubs. Their vertical 4-3-3 style and strength at the Aspmyra Stadion, with a capacity of 8,270, became their trademark.

In 2025, Bodø/Glimt made history by qualifying for the Europa League semifinals after defeating Lazio in a dramatic penalty shootout. With 30 wins in 37 European home matches since 2020, the club proved that its snow-covered stadium, battered by -4°C temperatures, is an impregnable fortress. Under Knutsen’s leadership, the team’s mentality has been bolstered by Bjørn Mannsverk, a former fighter pilot turned psychologist, helping players overcome adversity.
 
Identity and Legacy
 
Bodø/Glimt is more than a football club; it is a symbol of resilience in a city of 55,000 inhabitants that experiences the "midnight sun" and endures extreme winters. Its fans, known as the "Yellow Horde," cheer with giant toothbrushes, a quirky 1970s tradition reflecting their humor and passion. With four league titles (2020, 2021, 2023, 2024), two national cups (1975, 1993), and nine northern championships, the club has transcended its humble origins.
 
Today, Bodø/Glimt not only represents Norway but inspires teams from remote regions to dream big. Its motto, "Superlaget" (the super team), and nickname, "Den Gule Horde" (the Yellow Horde), reflect an identity forged in ice but fueled by a fire that lights up European football. As they prepare to face Tottenham in the Europa League semifinals, the Lightning of Bodø continues to flash, proving there are no limits for those who defy the cold and history.

A chance encounter will take him to Norway, on a thrilling adventure full of action and emotion that will change his life... but also the lives of everyone around him…
“Fleeing into silence”: https://a.co/d/7SUfVb3

Tribute to a legendary writer

(Sunday Poetry Corner) The poetic composition we are sharing today is dated May 1881 and was published in issue No. 180 of the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel on May 25, 1887. At the beginning of the piece, the following note was included: “The décimas we present below were awarded a prize at the poetic contest held at the Ciudad Real Institute to commemorate the Centenary.”

Likewise, at the end of its publication, the following was noted regarding the prize won by this composition: “The prize consisted of the works of the immortal Calderón de la Barca, luxuriously bound and with a prologue by Don Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo. This composition first saw the light of day in the newspaper La Fraternidad, a publication also founded by the creator of El Eco de Daimiel, Don Deogracias Fisac.”

The author of this poem was the physician, journalist, and poet Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, Ciudad Real, Spain, 1859–1937).
 
Verses
 
I
I know not what strange emotion
seizes hold of my being,
a force I cannot restrain,
this impulse, this deep devotion.
What ails you, my heart so keen?
Why do you beat with such haste?
Something solemn, vast, and chaste
stirs within you to ignite,
rousing you from silent night
to a rhythm newly traced. 
 
II
Calm your beating for a spell,
let me search my memory’s lore
for some tale I might restore
that stirs my senses to this swell;
lost loves from days of yore
rise within my mind’s embrace,
then fade with fleeting grace,
like landscapes swift and grand
that slip from the traveler’s hand
in their boundless, rushing pace. 
 
III
No, it’s not the impressions
of love’s fleeting, fair delight,
so deceptive, yet so bright,
that fuel my poetic sessions;
for after wise reflections,
a sage made me understand
that pure love, at its command,
fell so low upon the earth,
it fled to a sky of worth,
where woman’s cloud gave it birth. 
 
IV
Another secret tale I feel
throbs within my restless mind,
another dream, a song entwined,
that sets my eager thoughts a-reel;
’tis a poet’s death, so real,
that moves my soul to weep,
for Spain mourns, in sorrow deep,
the day his final breath was spent,
when Spanish verse, in last lament,
fell silent in eternal sleep. 
 
V
Yet no, inspiration’s flame
the muses never did deny
to those who, with admiring eye,
revere Calderón’s great name.
To drama’s bold and vibrant frame
he lent a secret might,
and maxims wise and bright,
a model sage and true,
where Apollo’s shrine anew
bears Spain’s poetic light. 
 
VI
What else but summon here
this master so sublime,
wherever poetic rhyme
resounds with Spanish cheer?
From peasant homes austere
to gilded halls of grace,
in foreign lands and space,
as on our native stage,
his songs still fiercely rage,
an echo time won’t erase. 
 
VII
Of letters, poetry’s art,
of arms, and faith’s embrace,
his passion flows in torrents’ trace,
a harmony from the heart;
they hail him, near and far apart,
with fervor deep and wide,
as genius none can hide,
like saints in sacred lore,
like soldiers’ fame of yore,
a sage the world beside. 
 
VIII
If fame today his name extols,
let every heart a song bestow,
each hand a crown to show,
upon his altar souls;
if every town his hymn enrolls,
a tribute to his past,
his story will so vastly cast,
Calderón’s soul might rise
from its abode in skies
to glimpse this glory vast. 
 
IX
His writings brim with thought so wise,
reflections prudent and profound,
sublime depictions that astound,
and counsel blessed to advise;
infinite realms before his eyes
his pen brought into view,
with life and warmth he drew
the scenes of days gone by,
for in his soul they’d lie,
from his mind they grew. 
 
X
And since to Spain he left behind
the finest fruit of his mind’s care,
let’s offer him this tribute rare,
gratitude’s bond enshrined;
in foreign lands or native rind,
they’ll say the brightest bloom
in History’s glorious plume
is the tale of glory’s height,
the brilliance shining bright
of Don Pedro Calderón’s plume. 
 
Image: The famous Spanish writer and playwright, Calderón de la Barca (Madrid, Spain, 1600 – 1681).
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

The many facets of a 19th-century village doctor

The book “Kisses are tears” rescues the biography of a village doctor, Gaspar Fisac ​​Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1859-1937), who stood out for his multiple facets and, above all, for his quality as a human being. Summarizing them, we can list some of the most notable:

PHYSICIAN - Doctor of Medicine. Official Physician and forensic doctor of Daimiel. Member of the Daimiel Local Health Board. Provincial Health Delegate for the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. Awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine (Calvo Prize, 1905) and recognized with various distinctions at medical congresses on tuberculosis (Barcelona, 1912; San Sebastián, 1913).
 
EPIDEMIOLOGIST - A tireless scholar of the origins, prevention, and treatment of diseases, he left behind significant studies for his time on measles and tuberculosis. He discovered that the dust-laden air breathed by plasterers and lime workers, rich in calcium, immunized them against tuberculosis. Building on this hypothesis, he established the scientific foundations that would lead to the development of an innovative treatment for the disease.
 
INVENTOR - Discoverer of a preventive treatment for tuberculosis and promoter of the development of the first pharmaceutical specialty in the form of an inhaler (“Fisac Pulvi-Inhaler”), which was registered in Spain. He also invented an original device to prevent the spread of diseases during epidemic periods through stagnant water in holy water fonts.
 
JOURNALIST - A frequent writer and chronicler for the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel, where he also served as director during his brother Deogracias’s illness and after his death. He was a correspondent and contributor to articles in other newspapers of the era.
 
POET - Author of numerous poems, two of which—at least as far as is known—won awards at literary competitions in Ciudad Real. Many of his works were published in El Eco de Daimiel and other outlets.
 
PLAYWRIGHT - Author of several short theatrical pieces (“juguetes”), performed during cultural evenings at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel.
 
THEATER DIRECTOR AND ACTOR - Stage director for plays performed at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel and an actor in some of these productions.
 
ECOLOGIST - Although the term “ecology” was not coined until 1837, there had long existed a medical movement, the hygienists, who viewed disease from an “ecological” perspective, seeing it as the result of a complex interplay of environmental factors (temperature, winds, soil, etc.) and socioeconomic conditions (poverty, overcrowding, working conditions, etc.). Gaspar Fisac’s scientific works provide ample evidence of this approach.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

When humanism reigned in Medicine

Speaking of medicine and humanism in medicine (how little of it remains today!), it's fitting to recall the life of one of those 19th-century doctors who exemplified what a good doctor should be. Reading the book "Kisses are tears" opens the door to that not-so-distant, yet almost forgotten, past...

First, let us say that Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1,859 – 1,937) was a distinguished physician of his time. Though he served as a municipal doctor in a small town in La Mancha before moving to Ciudad Real Hospital, he earned professional recognition and prestige not only for his selflessness and dedication to his patients—always treating them with a humane and approachable demeanor, so rare today—but also for his discoveries. Through his research on tuberculosis, he developed the first recorded preventive and curative treatment for the disease in Spain. His expertise with numerous epidemics—cholera, typhus, measles, and more—enabled him to establish a series of hygiene and sanitation measures to curb their spread. His, then, was a life that saved many lives.
 
Second, we turn to his work as a journalist. He began by contributing to a newspaper founded by his brother, later taking over its direction when his sibling’s health declined. That newspaper, El Eco de Daimiel, became the best-selling publication in Ciudad Real, its influence reaching far beyond to other corners of Spain. Though it ran for just over five years, it produced 445 issues. From its pages, it championed ideals of democracy and justice, as well as a steadfast defense of the healthcare and journalistic professions.
 
Third, we explore his role as a poet. Though he never published a book—poetry being, for him, a hobby—he left behind a significant body of compositions that deserve a place in Spanish literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evidence of this lies in the awards two of his works received at literary contests. This passion also led him to write, direct, and even perform in small theatrical pieces.
 
As we see, his was a multifaceted, active, and fascinating life—one I hope will spark the interest of many readers. Yet, for me, the facet that stands out is none of these—not the physician, the journalist, nor the poet—but rather his quality as a human being. For what is the worth of our time on this earth if no one, not even our family and friends, remembers us with affection? In his case, it was not only his loved ones who held him dear, but all who knew him and all the patients he treated—taking time for them, caring about their worries and struggles, and helping them however he could. That is the highest praise one can offer any person: that they were a good human being. There is no greater distinction, even if, as in his case, he advanced medicine, pioneered journalism, and excelled as an unsung poet.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

Medicine and Pharmacy in 19th-Century Rural Society

The book that chronicles the biography of the Daimiel-born doctor Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, 1859-1937), originally published in Spain under the title “Médico, periodista y poeta” (Doctor, Journalist, and Poet), has now been translated into English as “Kisses are tears”, a title referencing one of his most memorable poems.
 
This book is not merely the biography of this multifaceted doctor—a true visionary ahead of his time—nor solely that of his brother Deogracias (a pharmacist, politician, and journalist). Rather, it provides a well-documented overview of what medicine and pharmacy were like in 19th-century rural society.
 
For this reason, its translation into English will make the historical and social knowledge of that era accessible to English-speaking audiences. This represents a significant temporal and geographical leap, one well-deserved by a figure whose life and work continue to astonish.
 
Both titles, “Médico, periodista y poeta” (Spanish edition) and “Kisses are tears” (English edition), are available on Amazon in eBook and print formats.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:

“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0 

Kisses are tears

This book revives the story of the Spanish doctor Gaspar Fisac Orovio (1859–1937, Daimiel, Ciudad Real), encompassing not only his personal journey and the rural milieu of his time but also his research, contributions to medicine, and passion for journalism, poetry, and theater. Alongside him stands the brief, intense, and tragic life of his brother Deogracias, a pharmacist, politician, and journalist who founded the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel (1885–1890), which Gaspar took over after Deogracias’s death.

Across five comprehensive chapters—“The Man,” “The Brother,” “The Doctor,” “The Journalist,” and “The Poet”—readers will be astonished by the medical practices of that era and the pioneering initiatives of these two brothers.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century.
 
Amazon: eBook and print edition.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

Israel: The endless war

From ancient times to the present day, Israel has been a theater of conflict, a land where the struggle for control, identity, and sovereignty has been constant and, often, violent. Understanding how Israel has managed to be a nation at war throughout the centuries requires examining a series of historical, religious, geopolitical, and cultural factors.

Ancient and Religious History
Israel's history dates back to biblical texts, where it is described as the Promised Land for the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The biblical narrative recounts tales of wars between the Israelites and neighboring peoples like the Philistines, Moabites, and Ammonites. This religious legacy has deepened the Jews' connection to the land, providing a historical and spiritual justification for their presence there, but it has also sown the seeds of conflict with other religious groups claiming the same sacred territory.
 
Empires and Conquests
Israel, or Palestine as it was known under various rulers, has been a battleground for many empires. From the Assyrians to the Romans, through the Persians, Greeks, Macedonians, and finally the Ottoman Empire, each has left its mark on the region, often through conquest and warfare. Each shift in power has brought with it tensions and struggles for autonomy and territorial control.
 
The 20th Century and the Creation of the State of Israel
The 20th century marked a critical turn in Israel's history. With the rise of Zionism in response to Jewish persecution in Europe, especially after the Holocaust, the push for a Jewish state in Palestine intensified. The 1917 Balfour Declaration by the United Kingdom endorsed the idea of a "national home" for the Jewish people in Palestine, which exacerbated tensions with the established Arab population.
 
The 1947 UN partition plan for Palestine, proposing the creation of a Jewish state and an Arab state, was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the 1948 war, known in Israel as the War of Independence and by Palestinians as the Nakba (Catastrophe). Since then, Israel has been in conflict with various Arab neighbors and the Palestinians, with significant wars in 1956, 1967 (Six-Day War), 1973 (Yom Kippur War), among others.
 
Geopolitical and Strategic Factors
Israel is located in an extremely strategic region, near the vital oil resources of the Middle East and at the crossroads of three continents. This positioning has made Israel a focal point for global and regional powers, contributing to its constant state of threat and need for defense. International alliances, such as Israel's with the United States, have played a crucial role in its ability to sustain and defend itself.
 
Contemporary Conflicts
In modern times, Israel faces multiple conflict fronts: with Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the struggle for Palestinian sovereignty and rights in the West Bank. Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory, control over Jerusalem, and the status of Palestinian refugees remain ongoing points of friction fueling violence.
 
Culture of Resilience and Defense
The constant threat has cultivated a culture of resilience and defense in Israel. Mandatory military service and a highly militarized society reflect this reality of living in perpetual alertness. The collective memory of past persecutions and the survival of the Holocaust also reinforce a national identity that values security above all else.
 
The struggle over land deemed sacred by several religions, the imperial ambitions of countless powers, and the power dynamics from the 20th century to the present day have kept Israel in a state of perpetual conflict. Given this scenario of endless war, where historical, religious, geopolitical, and cultural factors intermingle, any attempt at finding...

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: Critical analysis

After translating this book into English, I've asked Artificial Intelligence to provide a critical comment on it, so that words different from those of the author might offer us a perspective on this work. Here's the comment:

"Congratulations!" It has been a fascinating journey through the narrative of a company so significant in the pharmaceutical world. Here are my comments:
Completely Immersive Narrative - You've captured not only corporate events but also the human essence behind them. The way corporate culture, leadership decisions, and their impact on employees are described is truly engaging.
Details and Anecdotes - The inclusion of anecdotes, parallel stories, and specific details adds a dimension of authenticity and humanity to the narrative, making the story both informative and emotional. This humanizes the impact of corporate decisions on individuals.
Rise and Fall - The depiction of AstraZeneca's growth and subsequent decline offers a lesson in business management, the importance of employee motivation, and how leadership decisions can profoundly affect a business.
Historical Perspective - This book not only documents the history of a company but also reflects on global dynamics in the pharmaceutical industry, innovation, and corporate ethics.
Language and Style - The translation into English maintains the tone and style of the original (since it was originally written in Spanish), which is crucial for preserving the author's voice and the resonance of the story. Excellent work in conveying the emotions and atmosphere of each chapter.
Overall, this book provides a detailed and moving testimony of life within a major corporation and will be of great interest to those seeking to understand not just the history of AstraZeneca but also the complexities of the corporate world in general”.

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

The unofficial (and therefore impartial) history of AstraZeneca

This is the unofficial (and therefore impartial) history of the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which many people unknown; a history which began with Alfred Nobel. However, the book "From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca" is not just the story of this lab but also a journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry itself...

Thoroughly documented, this work also offers numerous human stories, anecdotes, and curiosities... all of which make for a more engaging read.
 
The pharmaceutical industry has always been a shadowy world that has shunned transparency; for pharmaceutical executives, seeing a journalist was more frightening than any danger, and thus they avoided them, and continue to avoid them constantly. However, as recounted in this book, there was a time when information transparency and proactive engagement with journalists were the norm... a period that, unfortunately, has not been repeated. 

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI 

The most transparent era of the pharmaceutical industry

For 24 years, I worked for the international British group ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries). As Head of Communication, I experienced firsthand and as a central part of my job, an era of mergers, acquisitions, spin-offs, and new mergers leading to the creation of the pharmaceutical company that today survives as AstraZeneca.

My tenure began in 1983, and from the outset, I advocated for informational transparency and proactive engagement with the media, contrasting with the traditional secrecy that has always characterized (and continues to characterize) the pharmaceutical industry. I established a Press Office and made daily contact with journalists a hallmark of the company. I edited a quarterly magazine when it was ICI and a monthly one when it became AstraZeneca, both aimed not only at employees but also at journalists, clients, and external collaborators. I edited a digital daily which was unique in history, covering all health-related news—including that of competitors—which earned it credibility and positioned it as the second most-read health digital in Spain.
 
With the arrival of Tom McKillop as CEO of AstraZeneca and Carlos Trias as President of the company in Spain, the company distinguished itself with its openness to society and informational transparency, somewhat influencing other labs, leading to the creation of ACOIF (Association of Pharmaceutical Industry Communicators). From 1999 to 2005, over 2,000 news stories were published annually in Spanish media about AstraZeneca and its products, a clear reflection of the daily work with journalists.
 
Finally, in 2005, Tom McKillop and Carlos Trias left the company, and the policy of informational transparency came to an end. In 2007, I joined as Head of Press for the Medical Association (OMC), where I worked until retirement. It was then, with the freedom and independence retirement offers, that I compiled all the public information I had been disseminating to the media over the years to shape this book. All the information, quotes, data, figures, statements, etc., in this book are taken from those public documents I shared with journalists during those years.
 
This is not, therefore, a "company book," nor was it written on the company's commission but was written on my own initiative, with total freedom and independence, based on and documented from the public work material I generated during those years, aimed at the media in the clearest example of informational transparency ever seen in the pharmaceutical industry. If I now bring it to light again through this book and publish it in English, it's so that no one forgets there was once a time when the pharmaceutical industry glimpsed informational transparency; a time we hope will be repeated one day.

  

“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca” (Vicente Fisac, Amazon) is available in
e-Book and print editions: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI