Charles Best
1899–1978 — USA/Canada
Era: Modern
Brilliance: 8/10 | Stewardship: 7/10 | Composite Index: 56
Co-discoverer of insulin at age 22.
"The discovery of insulin was not the work of one man, but the result of the combined efforts and insights of a dedicated team."
Biography
Charles Best was a CanadianAmerican physiologist who, at just 22 years old, played a crucial role in the discovery of insulin alongside Frederick Banting in 1921—a breakthrough that transformed diabetes from a death sentence into a manageable condition. His meticulous experimental work and biochemical insights were essential to isolating and purifying insulin, saving millions of lives. Best continued advancing endocrine research throughout his career, establishing himself as a pioneering figure in modern medicine.
Key Facts
- Co-discovered insulin at age 22 while still a medical student at the University of Toronto
- Worked closely with Frederick Banting in the famous 1921 experiments that isolated insulin from dog pancreases
- Helped develop methods to purify and produce insulin at scale, enabling widespread medical application
- Served as director of the Banting and Best Department of Medical Research at the University of Toronto
- Received numerous honors including the Lasker Award and was nominated for the Nobel Prize, though the 1923 prize was shared between Banting and John Macleod
At 22, he helped discover insulin—saving millions from diabetes.
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