Omura, Satoshi, 1935–, Japanese biochemist, grad .Univ. of Tokyo (Ph.D. 1968), Tokyo Univ. of Science (Ph.D. 1970). He has been a researcher and leader at the Kitasato Institute since 1965. Omura shared half of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with William Campbell for their discoveries concerning the treatment of infections caused by roundworm parasites. Avermectin, the drug they discovered, along with its derivative, ivermectin, has significantly reduced the occurrence of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis (see elephantiasis), diseases that are a serious public health issue in tropical regions. Omura and Campbell collaborated but worked independently on different aspects of the discovery of the drug, which is derived from a bacterium in soil. Tu Youyou was awarded the other half of the prize.
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