DUNDEE, Scotland, March 26 (UPI) -- The University of Dundee in Scotland said Nobel laureate James Black, known for his work on the rational design of drugs, died at the age of 85.
The Los Angeles Times said Thursday Black is credited with creating propanolol, the first drug in the beta blocker class of drugs, and cimetidine, a drug that revolutionized the treatment of heartburn and acid reflux.
Propanolol was found to be useful in treating high blood pressure, as well as angina pectoris, tachycardia and tachyarrhythmia.
For his medical developments, Black earned a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and received a knighthood and appointment to the Order of Merit.
Following his work in the medical field, Black went on to join the University College London and the Wellcome Foundation, before eventually becoming chancellor of the University of Dundee.
The Times said Black, who died Monday of unspecified causes, is survived by his wife, Rona Mackie, and his daughter, Stephanie.
