Elliott Schiffmann Obituary

SCHIFFMANN

ELLIOTT SCHIFFMANN

Elliott Schiffmann, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) biochemist who pioneered discoveries in cancer immunotherapy, died December 31, 2022 at his home in Chevy Chase, MD. Cause of death was congestive heart failure. He was 95.

Dr. Schiffmann worked in the National Heart Institute 1955-62, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) 1962-85, and the National Cancer Institute 1985-90. During his NIH career he revealed how hemin (the "heme" in hemoglobin that gives red meat its flavor) is synthesized in the body. He identified small naturally occurring protein fragments (attractants) that drew antibacterial inflammatory cells to attack invading bacteria, ending infection, and established how attaching antibiotics to the attractant hastened healing. For this discovery, he received the NIDCR Director's award.

At the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Schiffmann applied his background in cell motility to identify factors that cause cancer cells to metastasize. This work has been seminal in developing immunotherapy treatments for cancers and treatments for antibiotic resistant infections. Throughout his career, Dr. Schiffmann mentored young scientists and provided a biochemical framework for scientific studies conducted at NIH. He was a sought-after speaker who could mix gentle humor with science as he clarified difficult concepts.

Elliott Haim Schiffmann was born April 23, 1927, in Newark, NJ to Dr. Samuel and Anna Abelson Schiffmann. His parents divorced when he was young, and he lived with his mother and members of her extended family. Elliott graduated from Cheshire Academy ('43), Yale University (BS '48), and Columbia University (PhD '55). He and Genevieve Nih were married June 3, 1960.

He is survived by his wife, Genni. Inquiries may be directed to his cousin Judith Rabinowitz ([email protected]) and her husband Joel Fischman ([email protected]). At Elliott's request, there was no formal service. Contributions may be made in his memory to Doctors Without Borders (Médecins sans Frontières), The American Civil Liberties Union, or Amnesty International.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 19, 2023.

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