Dr. James D. Watson (center) with Rick Jahnke and David Wales of American BioSciences
American BioSciences (Blauvelt, NY) mourns the passing of Dr. James D. Watson, the renowned molecular biologist and geneticist, who died in East Northport, NY on Nov. 6, 2025, at age 97.
“I had the honor of collaborating with the lab under the direction of Jim over a five-year period. I enjoyed our many conversations, and his many insights. He will be missed,” said David Wales, president of American BioSciences.
Watson was honored with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside Francis Crick (based on data from Rosalind Franklin, Maurice Wilkins and their colleagues at King’s College London) as a co-discoverer of the double helix structure of DNA. Watson also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Gerald Ford and the National Medal of Science from Bill Clinton.
From 1956-1976, he served as a faculty member in the biology department at Harvard University. During this time, he wrote two books that remain best-sellers, Molecular Biology of the Gene (1965) and The Double Helix (1968).
His long association with the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) began in 1947 when he was still a graduate student. In 1968, he became the second director, serving in leadership roles until 2000, and a member of faculty until 2008. He also briefly served as head of the Human Genome Project.
However, later in life, Watson made numerous controversial comments, prompting the CSHL to sever all ties and revoke his honorary titles.
“While some of Watson’s comments later in life were deeply disappointing, his contributions to science and impact on modern biology and genetics remain profound and enduring. The Laboratory expresses its deepest sympathy to the Watson family,” CSHL said.
Watson’s last major publication, titled “Mito-oncology Agent: Fermented Extract Suppresses the Warburg Effect, Restores Oxidative Mitochondrial Activity, and Inhibits In Vivo Tumor Growth,” details breakthrough findings conducted at the CSHL in partnership with American BioSciences.
According to the company, the research documented the bioassay-guided fractionation of fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), leading to the isolation of A250, which is responsible for FWGE’s anti-cancer properties. This ingredient is found in American BioSciences’ Metatrol dietary supplement.
A250 was found to repair mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cell, restoring regulation of gene expression, triggering apoptosis in cancer cells and dramatically inhibiting tumor growth. This bioactive fraction suppresses the hallmark “Warburg effect” of aerobic glycolysis by increasing mitochondrial carbon flux and activating the Krebs cycle, the company said.
“American BioSciences, Inc. is privileged to have worked with Dr. Watson and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues. His legacy endures not only in textbooks and laboratories, but in every life improved through the metabolic interventions he championed,” the company said.
For more information, visit www.americanbiosciences.com.
