January 1949

In 1949 Percy Julian developed an improved large-scale process for producing cortisone from soybean sterols, dramatically reducing the cost of the drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. His 1948 synthesis of Reichstein's Substance S remains the most widely used route to hydrocortisone production. Julian held over 130 chemical patents and revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry's ability to synthesize steroids affordably.

In 1949 Percy Julian developed an improved large-scale process for producing cortisone from soybean sterols, dramatically reducing the cost of the drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. His 1948 synthesis of Reichstein's Substance S remains the most widely used route to hydrocortisone production. Julian held over 130 chemical patents and revolutionized the pharmaceutical industry's ability to synthesize steroids affordably.

Percy Julian developed a low-cost method to synthesize cortisone from soybean sterols, making the anti-inflammatory drug affordable and accessible to patients worldwide. His process saved lives and cemented his legacy as one of the most important chemists of the 20th century, with over 130 patents to his name.