John Vane

Sir John Robert Vane (29 March 1927 – 19 November 2004) was a British pharmacologist. He is best known for his research into aspirin and its mechanisms of action in reducing inflammation and pain.

Vane was born in Tardebigge, Worcestershire, England. He studied at the University of Oxford, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry in 1949 and a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Pharmacology in 1953.

His career included positions at the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences in London, Yale University, and the Royal College of Surgeons of England. From 1973 to 1985, he served as the Wellcome Foundation's Director of Research.

Vane, along with Sune Bergström and Bengt I. Samuelsson, was awarded the 1982 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning prostaglandins and related biologically active substances. Vane's specific contribution was the discovery that aspirin inhibits the production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances involved in inflammation and pain. He demonstrated that aspirin achieves its anti-inflammatory effects by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is necessary for prostaglandin synthesis. This discovery led to a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying inflammation and pain, and paved the way for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs.

Following his departure from the Wellcome Foundation, Vane founded the William Harvey Research Institute at St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College in 1986, serving as its Director until his death in 2004. The Institute continues to be a leading center for cardiovascular and inflammatory research.

Vane was knighted in 1984 for his services to science. He received numerous other awards and honors throughout his career, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of pharmacology. His work remains highly influential in the understanding and treatment of inflammatory diseases.