Dr. George Sachs is an exemplary bench to bedside medical scientist. He discovered the proton or acid pump in the stomach and then led the development of H+K+ dependent ATPase inhibitors or PPI's. These agents have truly revolutionized the therapy for gastric acid disorders such as ulcers and gasttroesophageal reflux, which has benefited millions of patients, reduced greatly the need for surgery and simultaneously created a billion dollar industry. Dr. Sachs continues his translational research in defining mechanisms for gastric disease and producing new agents to optimize treatment.

Dr. Sachs, born in Austria, is a medical graduate of the University of Edinburgh in 1960. He was on the faculty of the University of Alabama from 1963 - 1982 as Professor of Medicine and Physiology and Director of Membrane Biology. In 1982 he became the Wilshire Chair in Medicine and Professor, Medicine and Physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1987 he became Director of Membrane Biology Laboratory and Co-Director - Center for Ulcer Research & Education. Dr. Sachs has had many professional and editorial responsibilities and his honours include the Beaumont Prize and the Hoffman LaRoche Award.