Akira Endo

Akira Endo
Born	November 14, 1933 Yokohama, Japan
Nationality	Japanese
Known for	Discovery of statins
Scientific career
Fields	Biochemistry

Akira Endo (born November 14, 1933) is a renowned Japanese biochemist who is best known for his discovery of statins, a class of drugs that are used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. His groundbreaking work has had a significant impact on the field of medicine and has saved countless lives worldwide.

Early Life and Education

Akira Endo was born in Yokohama, Japan. He developed an interest in science at a young age and pursued his studies in biochemistry. Endo graduated from Tohoku University in 1957 with a degree in agricultural chemistry. He continued his studies at the same university, earning a Ph.D. in biochemistry in 1966.

Career and Research

After completing his education, Endo began his career at the Sankyo Company, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. It was during his time at Sankyo that Endo made his most significant contribution to medicine. In the 1970s, he hypothesized that certain microorganisms might produce substances that could inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the body.

Endo's research led to the discovery of the first statin, mevastatin, which was isolated from the fungus Penicillium citrinum. This discovery paved the way for the development of other statins, such as lovastatin, simvastatin, and atorvastatin, which are widely used today to manage high cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.

Impact and Recognition

The discovery of statins revolutionized the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease. Statins work by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which plays a crucial role in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By lowering cholesterol levels, statins help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.

Endo's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2006, he was awarded the Japan Prize for his contributions to science and technology. In 2008, he received the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of medicine.

Legacy

Akira Endo's discovery of statins has had a profound impact on public health. Statins are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world, and their use has significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular disease. Endo's work exemplifies the power of scientific research to improve human health and save lives.

Also see

• Statin
• Cholesterol
• Cardiovascular disease
• HMG-CoA reductase
• Lasker Award