Description

Gedeon Richter (1872–1944) was a Hungarian pharmacist, founder of Gedeon Richter plc, and a pioneer of the modern Hungarian pharmaceutical industry. Born to a Jewish family in Ecséd, Hungary, he lost his parents early and grew up in Gyöngyös, where he began his career as a trainee pharmacist. After completing his pharmacology degree with high marks in 1895 from Budapest University, he traveled across Europe to study drug manufacturing methods. In 1901, Richter bought the Eagle pharmacy in Budapest, where he started producing organo-therapeutic drugs. He founded Hungary's first pharmaceutical factory in 1907, which saw major successes with products like Kalmopyrin and Hyperol. By World War II, his network had a global presence. However, due to anti-Semitic laws, he was stripped of his directorship in 1942 but continued managing the company from home. In 1944, he was murdered by the Arrow Cross Party despite opportunities to escape to Switzerland. His factory was rebuilt post-war, and Richter's contributions, including the first organo-therapeutic composition for raising blood pressure, are still recognized in medicine today. His legacy is commemorated through various memorials and the Richter Gedeon Elementary School in his hometown.

Engraver: Gábor Kereszthury