| Citation | Distinguished for his work in the field of prostaglandins and related substances. Among his many and important contributions was his participation in the discovery that aspirin-like drugs inhibit the biosynthesis of prostaglandins and the development of the theory that this biochemical intervention accounts for the actions of these anti-inflammatory drugs. Further work with Ferreira and Vane led to the now accepted concept that prostaglandins are modulators rather than mediators of inflammation. Moncada then isolated and partially characterised the enzyme in platelets which generates thromboxane A2, the powerful vasoconstrictor and inducer of platelet aggregation. Moncada's original work on inhibitors of this enzyme is now the basis of a world-wide search for anti-thrombotic agents. Moncada also played a substantial role in the discovery of prostacyclin, the elucidation of its chemical structure and has proposed some of the fundamental concepts relating to its biological importance. He has also made a major contribution to the further development of our knowledge of prostacyclin and its analogues, one or more of which will surely lead to new therapies in cardiovascular disease. Moncada's most recent work is on "dual" inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism which prevent the formation of leukotrienes as well as that of prostaglandins. He has developed the important concept that leukocytes migrating into damaged tissues bring with them the ability to form leukotrienes which then exacerbate the damage. Thus, "dual" inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism should have beneficial effects in inflammation, myocardial infarction and asthma, and this is being confirmed by Moncada in experimental models. Moncada is the author of 250 research papers. He was awarded the Gaddum Memorial Lecture of the British Pharmacological Society in 1980 and received jointly the Peter Debye prize of the University of Limburg in Holland. Moncada appeared in 1981 in the Current Contents list of the 1000 most cited contemporary scientists between the years 1965 and 1978. |