Departures of note

José Félix Olalla Marañón was born in Madrid in 1956, the sixth of eight siblings from a Burgos‑origin family. He earned a degree in Pharmacy from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid and entered the Cuerpo Superior de Farmacéuticos Inspectores de la Seguridad Social in 1981, topping his promotion. That same year he launched his literary career with the poetry book Ciudad pasajera.

Olalla combined a distinguished public‑service career with his literary pursuits. In the Ministry of Health he served as Subdirector General of Pharmaceutical Control (1992‑1997) and Subdirector General of Drug Evaluation (1997‑1999), and represented Spain in European drug‑regulation committees. Later he worked for the pharmaceutical company Sanofi‑Aventis. Parallel to his professional work, he authored dozens of poetry volumes, including Ciudad Pasajera, Doble luna de Marte, Los pies del mensajero, and many others, as well as prose works such as the short‑story collection Los cantos de Toribiano and the divulgation book Una dosis de salud.

Olalla was also a co‑author with his wife Lola Pérez Medina of the book Acuarela, and together they raised four children. His peers praised his ability to harmonise scientific, literary and administrative activities. He died in Madrid on 1 August 2026 at the age of 69.