AE
Top 1% — Elite Historical Figure
Akira Endo
Biochemistry · Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Tokyo, Japan
50 H-Index
528 Total Impact
GLLasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award (2008)0
GLJapan Prize (2006)0
GLCanada Gairdner International Award (2006)0
Overview
Akira Endo was a biochemistry specialist who discovered the first statin drug (compactin), leading to the most prescribed drug class in history. Based in Tokyo, Japan.
For Patients
- Pioneered the Discovery of compactin (mevastatin), the first HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin), a technique still used by doctors worldwide
- Based at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology in Tokyo, Japan
Biography
Akira Endo was a Japanese biochemist who discovered the first statin (compactin/mevastatin), leading to the development of the most prescribed class of drugs in history. Statins have prevented millions of heart attacks and strokes worldwide by lowering cholesterol.
Affiliations & Institutions
Research Impact
1 Publications
0 Total Citations
Published In
Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci
Key Publications
A historical perspective on the discovery of statins
Areas of Expertise
Pioneering Techniques
Medical Specialties
Clinical Knowledge & Procedures
Legacy Timeline
The life and contributions of Akira Endo
1973
Began screening fungi for cholesterol inhibitors
Searched over 6,000 microbial strains for compounds that could inhibit cholesterol synthesis
1976
Discovered compactin (mevastatin)
Isolated the first HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor from Penicillium citrinum
1987
Lovastatin (Mevacor) approved by FDA
First commercial statin approved, based on Endo's foundational discovery
2008
Lasker Award
Received the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for statin discovery