title: Herbert Falk: a vital force in the renaissance of bile acid research and bile acid therapy.
abstract: Herbert Falk died on August 8, 2008, after a long illness. It was his vision that initiated the Bile Acid Meetings and brought to market chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid for the dissolution of cholesterol gallstones as well as the successful treatment of cholestatic liver disease. The 1st Bile Acid Meeting was a small workshop held at the University Hospital of Freiburg in 1970. Great interest in the topic was evident at that small meeting and led to a larger meeting in 1972, whose scope included both the basic and clinical aspects of bile acids. These meetings have continued at biennial intervals, the 2010 meeting being the 21st. The program has always included discussions of the most fundamental aspects of bile acid biosynthesis and metabolism as well as clinical applications of bile acid therapy. The meetings featured brief presentations, ample time for discussion, and imaginative social programs. They have always been flawlessly organized. Social programs usually included a hike through the beautiful countryside of the Black Forest followed by dinner in a rustic restaurant. Herbert Falk took part in these programs, personally welcoming every participant. In the warm glow of the 'Badische' hospitality, friendships developed, and scientific collaborations were often arranged. From a scientific standpoint, there has been enormous progress in understanding the chemistry and biology of bile acids. Herbert Falk established the Windaus Prize in 1978, and the prize has been given to individuals whose contributions moved the field forward. These bile acid meetings have been marvelous, rewarding experiences. We must all be grateful to Herbert Falk's vision in establishing the Falk Foundation that has so generously sponsored these meetings. We also express our gratitude to his widow, Ursula Falk, who continues this worthy tradition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, Calif., USA. AFHofmann@gmail.com
authors.forename: Alan F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Hofmann
mesh_terms: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism*; D001649:Bile Duct Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D005858:Germany; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research / Q000266:history*
chemical_list: D001647:Bile Acids and Salts