William J. Rutter, Biotech Pioneer of Gene-Based Medicine, Dies at 97
William J. Rutter, Biotech Pioneer of Gene-Based Medicine, Dies at 97
His company, the Chiron Corporation, contributed important scientific discoveries toward treatments for H.I.V., hepatitis B, diabetes and more.
Read the full article on NY Times Technology
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, with the key claim about Rutter's death at 97 and his role at Chiron Corporation supported by multiple sources. The article presents a generally positive view of Rutter's contributions, which introduces a slight bias. Some claims, while plausible, lack direct verification from the provided sources.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: William J. Rutter died at 97.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms Bill Rutter died at 97.
- Verification Source #2: Confirms Bill Rutter died at 97.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Rutter was a biotech pioneer of gene-based medicine.
- Verification Source #1: States he was one of the first academic giants in biotech to jump into private industry.
- Verification Source #4: Molecular genetic approaches to understanding illness are changing the nature of medical research and practice in the United States.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: His company, the Chiron Corporation, contributed important scientific discoveries toward treatments for H.I.V., hepatitis B, diabetes and more.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms Rutter co-founded Chiron Corp.
- Verification Source #5: Mentions Rutter's involvement in Hepatitis B vaccine development.
- Assessment: Mostly Supported
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: "UCSF professor and Chiron Corp. co-founder Bill Rutter died at 97."
- Source 5: "Valenzuela P, Gray P, Quiroga M, Zaldivar J, Goodman HM, Rutter WJ. Nucleotide sequence of the gene coding for the major protein of hepatitis B virus surface"