He discovered the cholesterol-reducing compound in 1973 which has saved the lives of millions of people.
“A remarkable scientist”
Prof Bryan Williams of The British Heart Foundation described him as “a remarkable scientist”. Akira said he was inspired by Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 which led him to study the mould of fungi to develop new medicines.
His research involved testing more than 6,000 concoctions.
Statins are prescribed by doctors for patients who have had a heart attack and those at high risk of heart attack or stroke. The pioneering biochemist received several awards including the Laska Award in the USA.
The Laska Award is known as the US’s own version of the Nobel Prize and whilst he didn’t receive the actual Nobel prize, his contribution to medicine is one of the major achievements of the 20th century.
HEAL 