1987 Pandemics & Diseases Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1987 Pandemics & Diseases Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 20 Mar FDA approves first AIDS treatment drug AZT: On March 20, 1987, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved zidovudine (AZT) as the first antiretroviral drug for the treatment of AIDS. Developed in the 1960s as a potential cancer therapy, AZT was repurposed in the 1980s to combat HIV/AIDS. Its approval marked a significant milestone in the fight against the epidemic, offering a treatment option for patients with severe immune system compromise. source: fda.gov
- 11 May First heart-lung transplant performed in medical history: On May 11, 1987, the first successful heart-lung transplant was performed at Stanford University Medical Center. The procedure was groundbreaking, allowing patients with severe heart and lung diseases to receive both organs simultaneously, significantly improving their chances of survival. This operation marked a significant advancement in transplant surgery and organ transplantation techniques. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 05 Jun Nightline's National Town Meeting on AIDS: On June 5, 1987, ABC's 'Nightline' aired its first 'Town Meeting' format, focusing on the AIDS epidemic. The extended broadcast, running until 3:47 AM Eastern Time, featured interviews with key figures and addressed pressing questions about the disease. This program marked a significant moment in broadcasting history, engaging the public in a crucial conversation about AIDS during a time of widespread fear and misinformation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 Dec First human heart transplant performed in South Africa: On December 3, 1987, Dr. Chris Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The recipient, Louis Washkansky, lived for 18 days after the surgery, marking a significant milestone in medical history and organ transplantation. This groundbreaking procedure opened new avenues for treating heart disease. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
What happened in 1987?
Discover what the world looked like in 1987: