Student Interns Learning from an 87-Year-Old Scientist-Entrepreneur
This is 4th SIIFIC intern-contributed newsletter written by Lilly Thomas and Kai Rosenbaum.
In 2005, at the age of 67, Dr. Hitoshi Endou founded J-Pharma Co., Ltd., a biotechnology company built around his groundbreaking discovery of Nanvuranlat -the world’s first small-molecule inhibitor targeting LAT1. Now 87, Dr. Endou continues to speak about science with the same passion and clarity that shaped his decades-long career.
This summer, our interns had the rare opportunity to sit down with Dr. Endou to hear first-hand about his journey – from medical student to visionary founder – covering the frontiers of drug discovery, his encounters with venture capital, and the enduring entrepreneurial spirit that continues to inspire Japan’s startup ecosystem.
Through their eyes, we see Dr. Endou’s story in a fresh light – one that blends scientific rigor, bold decision-making, and a lifelong commitment to innovation.
Original article (English)
👉 Dr. Endou: Pioneering Against The Odds