Introduction

The Belgian pharmacologist and pharmaceutical chemist Paul Janssen developed fentanyl in 1960. It was at the time a revolutionary compound with a potency much greater than that of the natural opioid morphine, and a significantly greater safety margin than other pharmaceutical synthetic opioids such as dextromoramide, meperidine and phenoperidine. Under Janssen’s leadership, a deeper understanding of the structure/activity relationships led to the development of the very potent analgesics sufentanil, alfentanil, lofentanil and carfentanil, which could also be used for anaesthesia. These drugs have been successfully used clinically for over fifty years, and have made possible complex surgeries and the successful management of chronic pain for millions of patients worldwide. Fentanyl, together with codeine, methadone and morphine are four opioid analgesics on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) List of Essential Medicines.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Good Health and Well-Being

Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions