In the 1980’s Sir John Vane led the scientific research and development team which created FLOLAN, the only life-saving drug for pulmonary hypertension.

In 1971, Vane and his colleagues discovered that aspirin and similar drugs produced their effects because they inhibited the biosynthesis of a group of lipid mediators called prostaglandins. In the last five years it has become clear that there are two enzymes involved. One of the "cyclo-oxygenases" called Cox 1 is responsible for making prostaglandins, which protect the stomach and kidney from damage. Inhibition of Cox 1 accounts for the unwanted side effects of aspirin-like drugs such as gastric irritation and renal damage. The other enzyme, Cox 2, is induced by inflammatory stimuli and it is prostaglandins made by this enzyme that contribute to the inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The presently marketed aspirin-like drug inhibits both enzymes and our research may lead to selective inhibition of Cox 2, the enzyme responsible for inflammation.