History of the development of inhibitors of angiotensin I conversion.

The major steps in the initial development of angiotensin I conversion inhibitors are described, from the discovery of the Bothrops peptides (bradykinin potentiating factor) to the demonstration of the therapeutic potential. It is a history where chance, serendipity and clear scientific reasoning weaved together the work of several scientists. It is also a classical example of drug development for which the initial basic research was made at the university, but the useful product was achieved by industry.