Renowned Japanese biochemist Akira Endo, who is credited with the discovery of cholesterol-lowering statins, has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by his former student and colleague on Tuesday.
Statins, known for their ability to prevent heart attacks and strokes, are among the most widely prescribed medications globally.
Keiji Hasumi, a professor who worked closely with Endo, revealed that the scientist died on June 5.
“His contributions were truly monumental. Statins were non-existent before Endo’s groundbreaking discoveries,” Hasumi told AFP. “His work is as significant as the discovery of penicillin.”
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, over 200 million individuals use statins. Research indicates that the global market for these medications was valued at $15 billion in 2023 with an anticipated growth.
Endo conducted extensive research on thousands of microbes, eventually leading to his groundbreaking discovery of mevastatin in 1973 – a compound derived from penicillin known for reducing “bad” cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.
“Endo was known for his tough and strict demeanor. He possessed keen insight and the ability to uncover the hidden truths of matters,” shared Hasumi.
Born in 1933 to a farming family in rural northern Japan, Endo’s early ambitions were nurtured by his grandfather, a knowledgeable figure who greatly influenced Endo’s interest in medicine as highlighted in his 2008 autobiographical essay.
During his academic journey, Endo’s fascination with antibiotics such as penicillin, and their life-saving capabilities, motivated his research endeavors, per a publication in Nature Medicine.
While conducting research in New York during the late 1960s, Endo observed the prevalence of coronary heart disease as the leading cause of fatalities in the US, inspiring him to explore the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Endo’s notable career included roles at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology and Japanese pharmaceutical company Sankyo, now incorporated into Daiichi-Sankyo.
After testing 6,000 strains of microbes over two years, Endo successfully discovered mevastatin – a milestone in his pursuit of a new drug for cholesterol management.
Despite conflicting reports on the effectiveness and risks associated with statins, Endo’s legacy endures as a driving force in the field of medical research.
While Endo was considered a strong contender for the Nobel Prize, he was never awarded the prestigious honor. However, he received recognition as a Person of Cultural Merit by the Japanese government in 2011.
“Endo’s journey to discovery was marked by numerous obstacles and challenges that he overcame in his relentless pursuit,” noted Hasumi.
“He believed that overcoming such hurdles was an essential part of the process in creating groundbreaking medications,” he added.
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