Dr. Charles Herbert Best

Born: February 27, 1899
Birthplace: West Pembroke, Maine, USA
Died: March 31, 1978

Developer of the anti-coagulant (blood thinner), heparin

Shortly after graduating with his B.A. in Physiology, Charles Best collaborated with Dr. Frederick Banting in the series of experiments which proved that the pancreas produced an agent capable of controlling diabetes, and succeeded in isolating that agent (insulin) and making it available for therapy. After he graduated with doctorates in medicine and physiology, Dr. Best pursued a long and productive career as a research scientist.

As Director of the Banting and Best Institute, he investigated the properties of heparin, and made it available as an effective anti-coagulant agent. Dr. Best was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1967.

The Right Place At The Right Time

Following service in World War One, Charles Best completed his studies at the University of Toronto. While at university, he conducted research on sugars, and his summer job following graduation was in the labs of Frederick Banting. Together, they discovered insulin…he was 22 years old! What followed was a remarkable career in physiology and biochemistry that included another immense contribution to medical history -- the purification of heparin, a major blood thinner.

Pioneer Parents:

Dr. Best's parents were both Canadians, direct descendants of Major William Best, one of the founders of the city of Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749.