Name Olav Braenden | ||
Olav Brænden (1 July 1919 – 14 July 1989) was a Norwegian pharmacist, drug expert and inventor. He was born in Norderhov, Buskerud. Brænden studied pharmacy at the University of Oslo, and graduated as pharmaceutical chemist in 1942. During the 1950s his interests centered on drug-related questions. From 1955 he led the development of the United Nations' drug laboratories in Geneva, and served as Director of the lab until his retirement in 1979. He was decorated Knight, First Class of the Order of St. Olav in 1980. He is also known for his invention of the medicine Brændens nesedråper ("nose droplets").
Olav Brænden described his experience during the Nazi occupation of Norway as follows: He was at his family farm in Fagerness, Norway when the Germans arrived to capture and execute him. The commander of this German force was dressed in all white which was the custom for the Germans. When this commander exited his vehicle it had been very rainy and muddy and he slipped and fell and his all-white uniform was very soiled. This commander became very angry and in the confusion that ensued Olav made a break for the mountainous terrain that he knew so well and was able to avoid recapture. His continued activity with the Norwegian Resistance is what earned him knighthood.