In four years, a researcher will occupy a chair in John Kopchick’s name.
The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine professor was honored at a Jan. 17 luncheon, with a newly-endowed research chair in his name: John J. Kopchick, Ph.D., Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Endowed Eminent Research Chair.
A researcher will hold the chair after he or she is inducted into the OU-HCOM’s Department of Biomedical Sciences in 2016. The $5 million endowment is supported by the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation and OU, according to a news release.
“It’s quite an honor,” Kopchick said. “It’s very humbling, and I’m proud to be a recipient of it. I am very thankful to the heritage foundations and the heritage college of osteopathic medicine for doing this for me.”
Kopchick’s research led to the development of Somavert, a drug that treats acromegaly — a type of gigantism — with profits expected to reach $52 million, according to a previous Post report.
Kopchick has written about 300 scientific articles in his career and was involved in starting three companies, according to the release.
“To have a chair endowed in Kopchick’s name is a very, very fitting honor of such a gifted and generous and prolific researcher,” said Becky Watts, chief of staff to President Roderick McDavis. “His work, his research (and) his creativity have not only lifted OU’s prominence as a research institution but improved people’s lives. He has elevated the human condition.”
At the luncheon, Richard A Vincent, president and CEO of the foundation, recognized his research efforts.
“John is extraordinary, in every sense of the word,” he said. “He is known nationally and internationally for his remarkable work in endocrinology and as a highly respected scientist at OU.”
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