Entering the Toronto laboratory
Born in Maine to Canadian parents, Best studied physiology and biochemistry in Toronto. After graduating in 1921, he worked with Banting in Macleod’s laboratory on animal experiments examining pancreatic extracts and blood-sugar changes.
References: [1]
From extracts to supply
In 1922 Best helped refine preparation methods and coordinated production work involving Connaught Laboratories and Eli Lilly. Collip’s purification and clinicians’ observations were also essential to the collaboration. When Banting and Macleod received the 1923 Nobel Prize, Banting shared prize money with Best.
Physiology and blood research
Best subsequently worked with Henry Dale in London and returned to lead physiology research in Toronto. His teams investigated heparin purification, wartime dried-serum production and further questions about diabetes, extending his career beyond the original insulin experiments.
References: [1]