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Anwar Alwan Hussain
1937 - 2025
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Anwar Hussain Obituary
Anwar Alwan Hussain
August 7, 1937 - November 5, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky - Dr. Anwar A. Hussain (1938–2025), Pioneering Pharmaceutical Scientist and Beloved Mentor. Dr. Anwar A. Hussain, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and one of the most influential figures in modern pharmaceutics, passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 88.
A visionary scientist, mentor, and innovator, Dr. Hussain dedicated his life to advancing the science of drug delivery and improving patient care. He joined the University of Kentucky in 1973, where he served as professor and director of the Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Analysis, with a joint appointment in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy. Over nearly three decades - until his retirement in 2000 - he built one of the nation's leading pharmaceutical research programs and inspired generations of scientists around the world.
Dr. Hussain's pioneering work in dosage form design and intranasal drug delivery transformed modern pharmaceutics. He was among the first to demonstrate that modifying a drug molecule's structure could enhance safety, stability, and therapeutic effectiveness - a discovery that reshaped how medications are developed and delivered.
In 1992, Dr. Hussain patented Stadol, an intranasal spray for migraine relief later marketed by Bristol-Myers. The breakthrough treatment became one of the first successful examples of university research translated into a commercial product and helped generate more than $14 million in licensing revenue for the University of Kentucky. His more than 50 patents revolutionized the field and established UK as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation.
Beyond his research, Dr. Hussain was a devoted mentor who guided over 20 doctoral students, many of whom now hold leadership positions in academia, government, and industry across the globe. Known for his patience, humility, and commitment to scientific excellence, he inspired others to unite chemistry and compassion in service of humanity.
Dr. Hussain's contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the University of Kentucky Research Foundation Award (1980), and election as a Fellow of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (1981). He lectured internationally and continued his research after retirement as co-founder of New Millennium Pharmaceutical Research, Inc., a Lexington-based biotechnology firm.
He is survived by his children - Sabah Hussain, Amal Bernal, Sarab Stuart, Layth Hussain, and Amera Hussain - his beloved nephew Adnan Hussain - as well as 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His family remembers him as a man of quiet brilliance, boundless curiosity, and profound devotion to science and service.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Muslim Cemetery of Central Kentucky, 3427 Georgetown Road, Lexington, KY 40511, in accordance with Islamic tradition. Friends, colleagues, and community members are welcome to attend. An open house for family and friends will follow at 110 Stoneybrook Drive, Richmond, KY 40475, where condolences may be sent.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org.
A virtual celebration of Dr. Hussain's life and scientific legacy will be hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in the coming weeks.
August 7, 1937 - November 5, 2025
Lexington, Kentucky - Dr. Anwar A. Hussain (1938–2025), Pioneering Pharmaceutical Scientist and Beloved Mentor. Dr. Anwar A. Hussain, Ph.D., professor emeritus at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy and one of the most influential figures in modern pharmaceutics, passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 88.
A visionary scientist, mentor, and innovator, Dr. Hussain dedicated his life to advancing the science of drug delivery and improving patient care. He joined the University of Kentucky in 1973, where he served as professor and director of the Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Analysis, with a joint appointment in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy. Over nearly three decades - until his retirement in 2000 - he built one of the nation's leading pharmaceutical research programs and inspired generations of scientists around the world.
Dr. Hussain's pioneering work in dosage form design and intranasal drug delivery transformed modern pharmaceutics. He was among the first to demonstrate that modifying a drug molecule's structure could enhance safety, stability, and therapeutic effectiveness - a discovery that reshaped how medications are developed and delivered.
In 1992, Dr. Hussain patented Stadol, an intranasal spray for migraine relief later marketed by Bristol-Myers. The breakthrough treatment became one of the first successful examples of university research translated into a commercial product and helped generate more than $14 million in licensing revenue for the University of Kentucky. His more than 50 patents revolutionized the field and established UK as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation.
Beyond his research, Dr. Hussain was a devoted mentor who guided over 20 doctoral students, many of whom now hold leadership positions in academia, government, and industry across the globe. Known for his patience, humility, and commitment to scientific excellence, he inspired others to unite chemistry and compassion in service of humanity.
Dr. Hussain's contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including the University of Kentucky Research Foundation Award (1980), and election as a Fellow of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (1981). He lectured internationally and continued his research after retirement as co-founder of New Millennium Pharmaceutical Research, Inc., a Lexington-based biotechnology firm.
He is survived by his children - Sabah Hussain, Amal Bernal, Sarab Stuart, Layth Hussain, and Amera Hussain - his beloved nephew Adnan Hussain - as well as 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His family remembers him as a man of quiet brilliance, boundless curiosity, and profound devotion to science and service.
A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m., on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Muslim Cemetery of Central Kentucky, 3427 Georgetown Road, Lexington, KY 40511, in accordance with Islamic tradition. Friends, colleagues, and community members are welcome to attend. An open house for family and friends will follow at 110 Stoneybrook Drive, Richmond, KY 40475, where condolences may be sent.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Foundation at www.americanbrainfoundation.org.
A virtual celebration of Dr. Hussain's life and scientific legacy will be hosted by the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in the coming weeks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Lexington Herald-Leader from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2025.
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