Dapsone (diamino-diphenyl sulfone) is a pharmacological medication most commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine as multidrug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of Mycobacterium leprae infections ( leprosy ). more

Dapsone (diamino-diphenyl sulfone) is a pharmacological medication most commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine as multidrug therapy (MDT) for the treatment of Mycobacterium leprae infections ( leprosy ).

In the early 20th century the German chemist Paul Ehrlich was developing theories of selective toxicity based largely on the ability of certain dyes to kill microbes . Gerhard Domagk , who would later win a Nobel Prize for his efforts, made a major breakthrough in 1932 with the discovery of the antibacterial prontosil red . Further investigation into the active chemicals involved led to the discoveries both of dapsone and of the antibacterial sulfonamides . [ 1 ] less