The course of action:

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer wanted to develop a medicine for angina, chest pains and high blood pressure – a great intention. Pfizer invested in and carried out clinical trials for 6 years under the leadership of Ian Osterloh. As far as is known the research was carried out properly and there were no mishaps. Except…

The result:

After 6 years it became clear that the medicine did not have the desired effects. However, many patients reported erections and improved potency as side effects.

The lesson:

Pfizer radically changed strategy and tested the new medicine against erection disorders.

Further:
Today, every second, someone somewhere is taking a Viagra pill.

Published by:
Redactie IVBM

OTHER BRILLIANT FAILURES

The Museum of Failed Products

Robert McMath - a marketing professional - intended to accumulate a reference library of consumer products. The course of action was Starting in the 1960s he started to purchase and preserve a sample of every [...]

The Norwegian Linie Aquavit

The course of action: The concept of Linie Aquavit happened by accident in the 1800s. Aquavit (pronounced 'AH-keh'veet' and sometimes spelled "akvavit") is a potato-based liquor, flavored with caraway. Jørgen Lysholm owned a Aquavit distillery in [...]

Why failure is an option..

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