Japanese biochemist behind groundbreaking cholesterol research passes away at age 90

Akira Endo, a pioneering Japanese biochemist, passed away on June 5 at the age of 90, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the field of medicine. His groundbreaking research on fungi has revolutionized the treatment of cholesterol-related heart disease.

A Profound Impact

Chiba Kazuhiro, the president of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, where Dr. Endo served as a professor emeritus, confirmed his passing in a recent statement. The cause of death and the location were not disclosed.

Cholesterol, primarily synthesized in the liver, plays a vital role in the human body. However, it is also a significant factor in the development of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of mortality in the United States, Japan, and several other nations.

Scientific Breakthrough

In the early 1970s, Dr. Endo conducted pioneering research on fungi with the aim of identifying a natural compound capable of inhibiting a key enzyme involved in cholesterol production. This groundbreaking work paved the way for the development of widely prescribed drugs that effectively lower cholesterol levels, significantly impacting the treatment of heart disease.