Japanese biochemist Akira Endo, known for discovering cholesterol-lowering statins, passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by his former student and colleague on Tuesday.
Statins, a widely prescribed drug that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes, were a groundbreaking discovery by Endo.
Professor Keiji Hasumi, a long-time associate of Endo, shared that the scientist died on June 5.
“His contribution was immense. Statins revolutionized medical treatments and are comparable in impact to the discovery of penicillin,” said Hasumi in an interview with AFP.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, over 200 million people worldwide take statins, and the market for these drugs was valued at $15 billion in 2023.
Endo’s 1973 discovery of mevastatin, derived from penicillin, marked a significant breakthrough in reducing “bad” cholesterol levels. His relentless research involved studying thousands of microbes to find the compound.
Endo’s upbringing in rural northern Japan and early exposure to medicine sparked his passion for scientific discovery. His interest in antibiotics like penicillin led him to pursue research that eventually led to the development of statins.
Endo’s work was groundbreaking in the fight against coronary heart disease, which was a leading cause of death in the US during his research in New York in the late 1960s.
His colleagues and the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, where he worked, expressed their condolences over his passing and praised his dedication to medical research.
Despite some controversy surrounding statins in recent years, the majority of research supports their safety and efficacy in preventing heart disease.
Endo, though never receiving a Nobel Prize, was recognized with other prestigious awards for his contributions to medical science.
Hasumi reflected on Endo’s legacy, highlighting his perseverance and determination in overcoming challenges to achieve his scientific breakthroughs.
hih-kaf/smw
