Philip Majerus

Philip Warren Majerus (July 10, 1936 – June 8, 2016) was an American biochemist who confirmed the cardiovascular benefits of aspirin. After graduating from medical school and completing a residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Majerus conducted research at the National Heart Institute before becoming a faculty member at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Early life A native of Chicago and the son of a five-and-dime store owner, Majerus grew up in Quincy, Illinois. As a child, he had no interest in any school subject other than science, and he seemed to thrive once one of his schoolteachers set up a chemistry laboratory where Majerus could perform hands-on experiments.

Majerus was a talented tennis player, which earned him an athletic scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he completed an undergraduate degree in 1958. Majerus graduated from medical school at the Washington University School of Medicine.

Career After completing a residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, Majerus worked for the National Heart Institute, conducting research on fatty acid biosynthesis in E. coli in the laboratory of P. Roy Vagelos. His work with clotting led to discoveries related to inositol, a substance that has importance in several bodily functions. He was also awarded the Dameshek Prize from the American Society of Hematology.

Later life Majerus retired in 2014 and he died of prostate cancer in 2016. He had four children with his first wife, the former Janet Brakensiek. He was survived by his second wife, Dr. Elaine Flansburg Majerus.