Edward C Franklin (April 14, 1928–February 20, 1982) was an American pioneering immunologist and physician. [1] [2] The Franklin's disease has been designated in his name as a result of his discovery of the heavy chain disease of which the Franklin disease is a variety of.[1][2] An award has been established in his name - Edward C. Franklin Award which is given for achievements in immunology.[3] Franklin was a professor of medicine at the New York University School of Medicine,[1] a member of the National Academy of Sciences,[2] president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation,[1] director of Irvington House Institute.[2] Franklin made major gains in the studies of the aging process with a discovery of a protein known as amyloid.[1][2] Franklin played key role in the fight against arthritis.[4][1][2] The New York Times called Franklin "an international authority on the human immune system".[1]
Franklin was born in Berlin, Germany in 1928 and immigrated to the USA in 1939 as an escapee from Nazism. He received his undegraduate degree from Harvard University in 1946 and his medical degree from the N.Y.U. School of Medicine in 1950.[1]