The discovery of hypoglycaemic sulphonamides - Montpellier, 1942

The pathophysiological study of diabetes mellitus took an important place in the school of Montpellier since the end of the XIX^th century with Emmanuel Hedon's (1863-1933) contribution to the demonstration of the endocrine function of the pancreas. In 1942, a new sulfonamide compound (2254RP) was tested in the infectious diseases department of Pr M. Janbon (1898-1996) on cases of typhoid fever, leading to several deaths rapidly related to hypoglycaemia. The physiologist Auguste Loubatières (1912-1977) rapidly demonstrated that this hypoglycaemic effect required the presence of pancreas and was explained by stimulation of insulin secretion. He contributed to the description of a hypoglycaemic effect of several other sulphonamide compounds. He considered the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of this class of drugs. This is a good example of a medical discovery combining a favourable local environment, serendipity and perfect experimental approach.