Campbell/Spillane Substance Use Research - Interview with Leong (Eddie) Way

Abstract

E. Leong “Eddie” Way, PhD, was initially trained as a pharmacist and then earned his doctorate in pharmaceutical chemistry. Early in his career he became interested in the biodisposition of opiate alkaloids. He began working with meperidine (Demerol®) in the mid-1940s, later studying heroin and morphine as well. A long-time faculty member at the University of California-San Franscisco, Eddie Way oversaw a lab that fostered dozens of scholars and generated hundreds of publications. His work focused on studying the basic mechanisms involved in the development of tolerance and physical dependence in opiates. Some of his most innovative studies included comparative examinations of biodistribution of heroin and morphine. His work on tolerance and physical dependence has contributed to a more nuanced understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in addiction. He was a Life Fellow Emeritus of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP). Dr. Way died on June 12, 2017. Sources: Bentley Project manuscript. “In Memoriam. E. Leong Way (1916-2017), Thomas A. Ban. International Network for the History of Neuropsychopharmacology. https://inhn.org/biographies/eulogies/in-memoriam-e-leong-way-by-thomas-a-ban.html Accessed 09 Nov 2021