The Visionary Inventor: Dr. George Sperti
The story of Preparation H begins not in a corporate boardroom, but in a research lab at the University of Cincinnati in the 1930s. Here, a scientist named Dr. George Sperti dedicated his work to a diverse range of medical research. A prolific inventor, Sperti is also credited with inventing other popular medications like Aspercreme and pioneering the first practical technique for freeze-drying orange juice concentrate.
Sperti's initial focus was on creating a treatment for burns. In his research, he discovered a compound derived from live yeast cells, which he named "Bio-Dyne," that was believed to stimulate healthy cell growth. An accidental application of this ointment proved to have a different, market-ready use, leading to its eventual commercialization for hemorrhoids. The original formula was a combination of this live yeast cell derivative (LYCD) and shark liver oil.
Sperti's Additional Inventions
- Freeze-drying orange juice concentrate
- Aspercreme
- A barn with UV light equipment for experimenting on cows, which led to the development of vitamin D enrichment of milk
The Corporate Journey and Market Success
Around 1935, Sperti’s burn relief ointment caught the attention of American Home Products (AHP), a company founded in 1926. AHP acquired the formula and made a strategic pivot, rebranding the medication as Preparation H and marketing it as a treatment for hemorrhoids. This move was the catalyst for the product becoming one of the best-selling hemorrhoid treatments worldwide.
Over the following decades, the ownership of the Preparation H brand evolved with major corporate mergers. AHP changed its name to Wyeth in 2002. Then, in 2009, Pfizer acquired Wyeth, adding Preparation H to its extensive portfolio of pharmaceutical products. This journey from a university-born invention to a global brand reflects the dynamic landscape of the pharmaceutical industry.
Evolution of the Formula: US vs. International
While the brand name has remained consistent for many years, the product’s formula has not. A significant change occurred in the United States in 1995 when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered irregularities in the clinical testing of the live yeast cell derivative (LYCD). Consequently, the FDA mandated its removal from the US formulation.
Interestingly, the Canadian and European versions of Preparation H still contain the yeast extract ingredient. This divergence has led to some anecdotal stories among consumers about the differences in effectiveness and texture between the American and international versions. Modern US versions now rely on different active ingredients like phenylephrine, pramoxine, and hydrocortisone, along with protectants like mineral oil and petrolatum, to achieve their therapeutic effects.
Active Ingredients: A Comparative Table
| Feature | Original Formula (Approx. 1930s) | US Formula (Current) | Canadian Formula (Current) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredient(s) | Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD or Bio-Dyne), Shark Liver Oil | Phenylephrine HCl (vasoconstrictor), Pramoxine HCl (local anesthetic), Protectants (e.g., Mineral Oil, Petrolatum) | Live Yeast Cell Derivative (LYCD or Bio-Dyne), Shark Liver Oil |
| Primary Mechanism | Stimulates cell growth, anti-inflammatory | Constricts blood vessels, numbs pain, protects irritated tissue | Stimulates cell growth, anti-inflammatory |
| Regulatory Status | FDA-approved based on initial testing | FDA-regulated; LYCD removed due to testing irregularities | Regulated by Canadian health authorities; LYCD remains |
| Side Uses | Anecdotally used for burns, wrinkles | Not recommended for non-hemorrhoid uses by medical professionals | Anecdotally used for skincare |
Conclusion: A Journey from Burn Cream to Global Brand
The story of Preparation H is a compelling tale of a single invention's journey through pharmaceutical history. The key figure is unequivocally Dr. George Sperti, whose initial research laid the groundwork for the product. However, the brand's iconic status was cemented by American Home Products, which saw its potential beyond its original purpose. The product's evolution, influenced by regulatory changes and corporate acquisitions, highlights how a medication's formula can adapt over time while maintaining its market dominance. From Sperti's lab to Pfizer's multinational corporation, the path of Preparation H serves as a unique example of innovation and commercial foresight.
For more insight into the inventor's life and work, the University of Cincinnati magazine features an article on George Sperti and his many inventions.
