Kenneth Koe

Kenneth Koe (1925 – October 7, 2015) was an American chemist best known for his co-invention of the antidepressant drug sertraline, marketed under the brand name Zoloft. Born in Astoria, Oregon, Koe was the son of Chinese immigrants. He pursued his education in chemistry, earning a bachelor's degree from Reed College in 1945 and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley in 1952.

Early Life and Education

Kenneth Koe was born in 1925 in Astoria, Oregon, to Chinese immigrant parents. From a young age, Koe showed a keen interest in the sciences, which led him to pursue a career in chemistry. He completed his undergraduate studies at Reed College, where he received his bachelor's degree in 1945. Following his undergraduate education, Koe attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Ph.D. in organic chemistry in 1952. His doctoral research focused on synthetic organic chemistry, a field that would play a significant role in his professional career.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Kenneth Koe joined Pfizer in 1955, where he would spend the entirety of his career. At Pfizer, Koe's work primarily involved the synthesis of novel compounds for potential use as pharmaceutical drugs. His most notable achievement came in the early 1970s when, in collaboration with chemist Willard Welch, he co-invented sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Sertraline was patented in 1977 and later approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 for the treatment of depression under the brand name Zoloft. It has since become one of the most prescribed antidepressant medications in the United States.

Contribution to Medicine

Kenneth Koe's contribution to medicine, particularly in the field of psychiatry, is significant. The development of sertraline as a safe and effective treatment for depression and other mood disorders has had a profound impact on mental health treatment. SSRIs like sertraline have become the first line of treatment for depression, due to their favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants. Koe's work in the development of sertraline has helped improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide suffering from depression and anxiety disorders.

Legacy

Kenneth Koe passed away on October 7, 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in the field of psychopharmacology. His contributions to the development of SSRIs have been widely recognized and celebrated in the scientific and medical communities. Koe's work exemplifies the impact that dedicated research and innovation can have on public health and well-being.

See Also

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• Pfizer
• Depression (mood)
• Anxiety disorder