Edward Calvin Kendall

Edward Calvin Kendall nobel

Edward Calvin Kendall (March 8, 1886 – May 4, 1972) was an American biochemist renowned for his pioneering research in the field of endocrinology and his significant contribution to the isolation and identification of the hormone cortisone. His work in isolating cortisone led to the development of a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, a groundbreaking achievement in medical science. For his contributions, Kendall was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1950, shared with Philip S. Hench and Tadeus Reichstein for their discoveries relating to the hormones of the adrenal cortex, their structure, and biological effects.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Edward Calvin Kendall was born in South Norwalk, Connecticut. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he developed an interest in chemistry and biochemistry. After completing his bachelor's degree, Kendall went on to obtain his Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University in 1910. His doctoral research focused on the thyroid gland, setting the stage for his lifelong interest in endocrinology.

Career and Research[edit | edit source]

After completing his Ph.D., Kendall began his career in research at the Parke-Davis pharmaceutical company, where he worked on the thyroid hormone. In 1914, he moved to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he would spend the majority of his career. It was here that Kendall made his most significant contributions to science and medicine.

Kendall's research at the Mayo Clinic initially focused on the thyroid gland, but he soon shifted his attention to the adrenal glands. His work led to the isolation of several steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex, including cortisone. This discovery was monumental in the field of medicine, as cortisone was found to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties, making it a critical component in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Nobel Prize and Later Years[edit | edit source]

In 1950, Kendall's groundbreaking work on cortisone earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he shared with Philip S. Hench and Tadeus Reichstein. This accolade was a testament to the significant impact of his research on medical science and treatment methodologies.

After retiring from the Mayo Clinic, Kendall continued to be involved in scientific research and education until his death in 1972. His legacy is marked by his contributions to biochemistry and medicine, particularly in the field of endocrinology.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Edward Calvin Kendall's work has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine, particularly in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. His research paved the way for the development of synthetic corticosteroids, which are widely used today in the treatment of a variety of conditions. Kendall's dedication to science and his groundbreaking discoveries exemplify the profound impact that research can have on improving human health.