# Satoshi Ōmura

> Japanese biochemist, microbiologist, and university teacher (born 1935)

**Wikidata**: [Q21061207](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q21061207)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satoshi_Ōmura)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/satoshi-omura

## Summary
Satoshi Ōmura is a Japanese biochemist, microbiologist, and university teacher born in 1935. He is best known for his groundbreaking work in the discovery and development of avermectin, a compound that revolutionized the treatment of parasitic diseases, earning him the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 12, 1935
- **Nationality**: Japanese
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Yamanashi, Tokyo University of Science, and Kitasato University
- **Known for**: Discovery of avermectin and its derivatives, which led to the development of ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasitic infections
- **Employer(s)**: Kitasato Institute, Kitasato University, Wesleyan University, University of Yamanashi, Tokyo University of Science
- **Field(s)**: Biochemistry, Microbiology, Natural Products Chemistry

## Contributions
Satoshi Ōmura has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry and microbiology, particularly in the discovery and development of avermectin. His work led to the creation of ivermectin, a drug that has been instrumental in treating parasitic diseases such as river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. Ōmura's research has had a profound impact on global health, improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.

## FAQs
### Q: When and where was Satoshi Ōmura born?
A: Satoshi Ōmura was born on July 12, 1935, in Japan.

### Q: What is Satoshi Ōmura best known for?
A: Satoshi Ōmura is best known for his discovery of avermectin, which led to the development of ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasitic infections.

### Q: Where did Satoshi Ōmura receive his education?
A: Satoshi Ōmura studied at the University of Yamanashi, Tokyo University of Science, and Kitasato University.

### Q: What awards has Satoshi Ōmura received?
A: Satoshi Ōmura has received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2015), the Japan Academy Prize, the Order of Culture, the Asahi Prize, the Robert Koch Gold Medal, the Person of Cultural Merit, the Nakanishi Prize, the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, the Prince Mahidol Award, the Ernest Guenther Award, and the Tetrahedron Prize.

### Q: What institutions has Satoshi Ōmura been affiliated with?
A: Satoshi Ōmura has been affiliated with the Kitasato Institute, Kitasato University, Wesleyan University, the University of Yamanashi, and the Tokyo University of Science.

## Why They Matter
Satoshi Ōmura's work has had a transformative impact on global health. His discovery of avermectin and the subsequent development of ivermectin have revolutionized the treatment of parasitic diseases, significantly reducing the burden of conditions like river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. His contributions have not only advanced the field of biochemistry and microbiology but have also improved the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Ōmura's research has paved the way for new treatments and has inspired countless scientists to pursue innovative solutions to global health challenges.

## Notable For
- Discovering avermectin, leading to the development of ivermectin
- Winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015
- Receiving numerous prestigious awards, including the Japan Academy Prize, the Order of Culture, and the Robert Koch Gold Medal
- Affiliations with renowned institutions such as the Kitasato Institute, Kitasato University, and Wesleyan University
- Significant contributions to the fields of biochemistry, microbiology, and natural products chemistry

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Satoshi Ōmura was born on July 12, 1935, in Japan. He pursued his education at the University of Yamanashi, Tokyo University of Science, and Kitasato University, where he developed a strong foundation in biochemistry and microbiology.

### Career and Research
Ōmura's career has been marked by his affiliation with several prestigious institutions, including the Kitasato Institute, Kitasato University, Wesleyan University, the University of Yamanashi, and the Tokyo University of Science. His research has focused on the discovery and development of natural products with therapeutic potential.

### Discovery of Avermectin
One of Ōmura's most significant contributions is the discovery of avermectin, a compound derived from the bacterium Streptomyces avermitilis. This discovery led to the development of ivermectin, a drug that has been instrumental in treating parasitic diseases such as river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. The impact of this discovery on global health has been profound, improving the lives of millions of people worldwide.

### Awards and Recognition
Ōmura's work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015. He has also received the Japan Academy Prize, the Order of Culture, the Asahi Prize, the Robert Koch Gold Medal, the Person of Cultural Merit, the Nakanishi Prize, the Canada Gairdner Global Health Award, the Prince Mahidol Award, the Ernest Guenther Award, and the Tetrahedron Prize. These accolades underscore the significance of his contributions to science and global health.

### Affiliations and Memberships
Ōmura has been affiliated with several prestigious academic and research organizations, including the Japan Academy, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Sciences, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the French Academy of Sciences, the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, and the European Academy of Sciences. These affiliations highlight his standing in the global scientific community.

### Legacy and Impact
Satoshi Ōmura's legacy is defined by his groundbreaking discoveries and their impact on global health. His work has not only advanced the fields of biochemistry and microbiology but has also inspired countless scientists to pursue innovative solutions to global health challenges. Ōmura's contributions continue to influence the development of new treatments and therapies, making him a pivotal figure in the scientific community.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2015/)
2. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
3. [The Imperial Prize,Japan Academy Prize,Duke of Edinburgh Prize Recipients 71st - 80th | The Japan Academy](https://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/activities/jyusho/071to080.html)
4. [Source](https://jp.ambafrance.org/Remise-de-la-Legion-d-Honneur-au)
5. [Robert Koch Award](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=16&clang=1)
6. [Source](https://www.robert-koch-stiftung.de/index.php?article_id=16&clang=0)
7. [Source](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/nakanishi-prize/past-recipients.html)
8. [Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China](http://www.moe.gov.cn/s78/A22/xwb_left/moe_829/201802/t20180228_328136.html)
9. [Source](https://www.acs.org/funding/awards/ernest-guenther-award-in-the-chemistry-of-natural-products/past-recipients.html)
10. [Source](https://www.tetrahedron-chem.com/tetrahedron_prize_for_creativity2022)
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. CiNii Research
14. International Plant Names Index
15. [Personal Information - ŌMURA Satoshi | The Japan Academy](https://www.japan-acad.go.jp/en/members/4/omura_satoshi.html)
16. [Satoshi Ōmura – NAS](https://www.nasonline.org/directory-entry/satoshi-omura-mud1oq/)
17. [Source](http://www.academie-sciences.fr/fr/Liste-des-membres-de-l-Academie-des-sciences-/-O/satoshi-omura.html)
18. [Source](https://www.leopoldina.org/fileadmin/redaktion/Mitglieder/CV_Omura_Satoshi_EN.pdf)
19. [Members - European Academy of Sciences. 2022](https://www.eurasc.eu/members/omurasinsti-kitasato-u-ac-jp/member/)
20. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
21. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
22. Munzinger Personen
23. Integrated Authority File
24. Library of Congress Control Number
25. KAKEN