Magnificent molecules

Diazepam

By 2017-02-09T13:53:00

217 Magnificent Molecules - Valium - Hero

Source: © Van D Bucher/Science Photo Library

One of the biggest selling pharmaceuticals in history, the ‘mother’s little helper’

For over 50 years, it has been used to treat a huge range of disorders, from anxiety to tetanus. It is one of the biggest selling drugs ever and, since coming off-patent in 1985, is now sold under more than 500 different generic brands. It is, of course, diazepam, often known by its most famous tradename – Valium.

Jamie Durrani tells the fascinating story of ’mother’s little helper’

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