Albert Kligman

American dermatologist and researcher

Albert Montgomery Kligman (March 17, 1916 – February 9, 2010) was an American dermatologist and researcher known for his work in the field of dermatology and for developing the acne medication tretinoin, commonly known as Retin-A.

Early life and education

Albert Kligman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his undergraduate degree. Kligman went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Career

Kligman began his career in dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania, where he conducted research on skin diseases and treatments. He is best known for his discovery of the use of tretinoin for the treatment of acne and photoaging.

Tretinoin and Retin-A

In the 1960s, Kligman discovered that tretinoin, a derivative of vitamin A, was effective in treating acne. This led to the development of the topical medication Retin-A, which became widely used for acne treatment and later for reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles and skin discoloration.

Controversies

Kligman's career was not without controversy. He conducted research on inmates at the Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, which raised ethical concerns. The studies involved testing various substances on the skin of prisoners, and the ethical implications of these experiments have been widely debated.

Legacy

Despite the controversies, Kligman's contributions to dermatology, particularly his work with tretinoin, have had a lasting impact on the field. His research paved the way for new treatments for acne and skin aging.

Related pages

• Dermatology
• Tretinoin
• Retin-A
• Holmesburg Prison experiments

Gallery

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  Albert Kligman