Emil Adolf von Behring,was a German physiologist who received the 1901 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the first one awarded in that field, for his discovery of a diphtheria antitoxin. He was widely known as a "saviour of children", as diphtheria used to be a major cause of child death.His work with the disease, as well as tetanus, has come to bring him most of his fame and acknowledgment.He was honoured with Prussian nobility in 1901, henceforth being known by the surname "von Behring".
Early Life and Education (1854-1874)
Emil Adolf von Behring was born on March 15, 1854, in the village of Hansdorf, Prussia (modern-day Poland). He was the eldest of 13 children born to August Georg Behring, a schoolteacher, and his wife Auguste Behring. From an early age, Emil showed an affinity for learning and a keen interest in the sciences, especially biology and chemistry. However, his family was of modest means, and financing higher education would have
In 1874, Behring’s academic potential
caught the attention of his teachers, and he was granted a scholarship to
attend the prestigious Friedrich Wilhelm University (now Humboldt University)
in Berlin. Initially, Behring enrolled in medical studies with the intent of
becoming a physician. However, it soon became clear that his passion lay more
in the realm of medical research rather than cl
Military Medical Service and Early
Research (1874-1890)
Behring’s studies at the Friedrich Wilhelm University led to his induction into the Prussian military’s medical service. Though primarily trained as a military doctor, this service offered Behring crucial opportunities to engage in scientific research. During this period, he conducted some of his first experimental work, focusing on infectious diseases and the immune system.
In 1880, after completing his medical degree, Behring was posted to various military hospitals where he gained firsthand experience with diseases like tetanus and diphtheria, which were prevalent and often fatal in the late 19th century. His experience with these diseases drove him to explore how the human body could be better protected from infectious pathogens, leading to his intere
In 1889, Behring began working with the
famed bacteriologist Robert Koch at the Institute for Infectious Diseases in
Berlin. Koch’s groundbreaking work in bacteriology, particularly his discovery
of the anthrax bacterium, provided Behring with an ideal environment for his
own research into infectious diseases. Under Koch’s mentorship, Behring would
make some of his most significant
Discovery of Serum Therapy (1890-1895)
It was during his tenure at the Institute for Infectious Diseases that Behring made his most famous breakthrough: the development of serum therapy, a revolutio
In 1890, Behring and his colleague Shibasaburo Kitasato, a Japanese physician and bacteriologist, published their groundbreaking findings on passive immunization. They demonstrated that animals could be immunized against tetanus by injecting them with serum from another animal that had been exposed to the tetanus bacterium. The serum contained antibodies that neutralized the toxins produced by the bacteria. This approach, known as antitoxin therapy, marked the first effective treatment against bacterial toxins and was a major milestone in medical science.
Soon after, Behring applied the same
principles to diphtheria. He showed that injecting serum from an animal that
had been immunized against diphtheria into a patient suffering from the disease
could neutralize the diphtheria toxin, leading to recovery. This was a landmark
achievement because, before Behring's discovery, diphtheria was often fatal,
particularly for young children. The introduction of diphtheria antitoxin not
only saved countless lives but also laid the foundation for modern
immunotherapy and vaccinology.
Public Health Impact and Global
Recognition (1895-1900)
The impact of Behring's discovery was immediate and profound. In the 1890s, diphtheria was one of the leading causes of death among children, with mortality rates exceeding 50% in some regions. With the advent of serum therapy, this rate was drastically reduced. By the early 20th century, diphtheria deaths in Germany had fallen by over 90%, largely due to Behring’s work.
Behring’s success in the treatment of diphtheria led to global recognition. In 1901, he was awarded the first-ever Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his development of serum therapy, particularly for the treatment of diphtheria. The Nobel committee hailed his work as a "contribution of the utmost importance in medical history," and he was celebrated internationally as the father of immunotherapy. His Nobel Prize cemented his legacy as one of the most important medical scientists of his time.
Beyond the Nobel Prize, Behring’s
achievements also brought him financial success. In 1895, he began
collaborating with the chemical company Hoechst to mass-produce the diphtheria
antitoxin. This partnership allowed for widespread distribution of the
antitoxin, making it accessible to people across Europe and beyond. Behring’s
serum saved millions of lives, particularly those of children, and it marked
the beginning of a new era in the treatment of infectious diseases.
Later Years and Research (1900-1917)
After receiving the Nobel Prize, Behring continued to build upon his early successes. In 1904, he founded the Behringwerke, a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the production of antitoxins and vaccines. The Behringwerke would later grow into one of the world’s largest producers of vaccines and other biological medicines.
Behring remained deeply involved in research until the end of his life. He turned his attention to tuberculosis, a disease that was still widespread and deadly in the early 20th century. Inspired by Robert Koch’s earlier work on the tuberculosis bacterium, Behring developed a serum-based treatment for tuberculosis, though it was never as successful as his diphtheria work. Nevertheless, his tuberculosis research laid important groundwork for future developments in the treatment of the disease.
In his later years, Behring also focused
on improving the production and quality of vaccines. He recognized that
effective vaccination required not just scientific discovery but also high
standards in manufacturing and distribution. To that end, Behring worked to
standardize vaccine production methods, ensuring that the vaccines produced by
his company were both safe and effective.
Personal Life and Legacy (1854-1917)
Despite his fame and professional success, Emil von Behring’s personal life was relatively quiet and private. In 1896, he married Else Spinola, the daughter of a prominent physician. The couple had six children, and Behring was known to be a devoted father and husband. His home in Marburg, where he spent his later years, was a peaceful retreat from his scientific work.
Behring was knighted in 1901, receiving the hereditary title of von, which elevated him to the nobility. This recognition reflected not only his contributions to medicine but also his importance to German society at large. He was also honored with numerous other awards and distinctions from scientific societies across Europe and the United States.
Emil von Behring passed away on March 31,
1917, at the age of 63, in Marburg. His death marked the end of a remarkable
life dedicated to improving human health through scientific discovery.
Contributions to Medicine and Immunology
Emil von Behring’s contributions to medicine are profound and far-reaching. His pioneering work in the development of serum therapy transformed the treatment of infectious diseases and laid the foundation for modern immunology. Some of his key contributions include:
Development of Serum Therapy: Behring’s discovery of serum therapy for diphtheria and tetanus revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections. His work demonstrated that diseases caused by bacterial toxins could be treated by injecting patients with antitoxins, effectively neutralizing the harmful effects of the toxins.
Introduction of Passive Immunization: Behring’s work on passive immunization, where antibodies are transferred from one organism to another, paved the way for the development of modern vaccines and immunotherapies. His research showed that it was possible to confer immunity to diseases by transferring immune serum from an immunized animal to a non-immune individual.
Reduction of Child Mortality: The introduction of the diphtheria antitoxin significantly reduced child mortality rates, particularly in Europe and North America. Behring’s work saved countless lives and contributed to the eventual eradication of diphtheria as a major public health threat.
Foundation of Modern Immunology: Behring’s research into the immune system and its ability to fight infections laid the foundation for the field of immunology. His work inspired future generations of scientists to explore how the immune system could be harnessed to prevent and treat diseases.
Commercial Production of Vaccines: Through
his collaboration with Hoechst and the founding of the Behringwerke, Behring
played a crucial role in the commercial production of vaccines and antitoxins.
His efforts helped make life-saving treatments accessible to people around the
world, contributing to the global fight against infectious diseases.
Conclusion
Emil von Behring’s legacy as the father of immunotherapy is well-deserved. His groundbreaking work in serum therapy and his contributions to the development of vaccines have had an immeasurable impact on human health. Through his tireless research and dedication to the betterment of humanity, Behring saved millions of lives and forever changed the landscape of medicine.
Though he passed away over a century ago,
his discoveries continue to influence modern medical science. Today,
immunotherapy and vaccination remain among the most powerful tools in the fight
against infectious diseases, and Behring’s work serves as a reminder of the
profound impact that scientific discovery can have on society. His name is
immortalized in the annals of medical history, and his contributions will
continue to shape the future of medicine for generations to