Satoshi Omura has long been regarded as preeminent in identifying antibiotics and other useful compounds originating from nature's microorganisms. His innovative and pioneering research has resulted in the discovery of many new microbes and over 500 novel chemicals, several of which have been developed into widely used medicines in human and veterinary health, as well as in agriculture. These include several leading antibiotics, plus the groundbreaking staurosporine, the forerunner of many of today's widely used and highly effective anti-cancer compounds, such as Gleevec and ivermectin, a truly extraordinary, exceptionally safe, multipurpose compound; the world's first "endectocide," capable of killing a wide variety of organisms inside and outside the body.