Dermatologist Alastair Carruthers, Who Pioneered Botox for Cosmetic Use, Dead at 79

Carruthers and his wife Dr. Jean Carruthers led the discovery of the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin A

Dr. Alastair Carruthers, a physician who is largely credited with making Botox a household name, has died. He was 79.

According to a statement from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), of which he was president from 2006 to 2007, Alastair passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2024 "after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease." He is survived by his wife, Dr. Jean Carruthers, three children and four grandchildren.

"It is with deep sorrow that the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) announces the passing of Alastair Carruthers, FRCPC, a pioneering physician and esteemed member of the medical community whose contributions left an indelible mark on the field of Dermatology," the ASDS' statement reads. "He was an innovator with a collaborative spirit matched only by his love of his family and kindness towards his mentees."

Carrie Strom, the global president of Allergan Aesthetics, the makers of BOTOX(R) Cosmetic, tells PEOPLE exclusively: “The impact of Dr. Carruthers’ remarkable dedication to the field of dermatology and aesthetic medicine cannot be overstated. We are grateful to have benefitted from close collaboration with him over the years and continue to be inspired by his legacy of innovation."

Alastair was born on June 4, 1945, in Bebington, Cheshire, U.K. After graduating from the University of Oxford’s Brasenose College in 1968, he was trained in Internal Medicine in Vancouver and Liverpool before specializing in dermatology at St. Thomas’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin in London. In 1977, he joined the Faculty of Dermatology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.

Related: Martha Stewart Gets Honest About Using Botox and Fillers: 'I Don't Want to Look My Age at All'

He later became the first Canadian president of the ASDS. During his tenure, he established the First Annual ASDS Gala, the ASDS Stegman Circle fundraising initiative and the Society’s advocacy arm, ASDSA.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Throughout his career, Alastair published over 100 articles and authored several textbooks. He also won numerous awards and honors, including the ASDS Samuel J. Stegman, MD, Award for Outstanding Service in 2010, the Philip Frost and Eugene van Scott Leadership Award in 2012, the ASDS Leadership in Innovation Lectureship in 2014 and the ASDS President’s Award in 2015.

With his wife, Alastair led the discovery of the cosmetic use of botulinum toxin A. An ophthalmologist, Jean used a dilute solution of botulinum toxin to treat a patient's uncontrollable blinking. It was then that the couple discovered the toxin's wrinkle-relaxing effects.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

They embarked on years of research and presented their findings at the 1991 ASDS Annual Meeting. BOTOX® was approved by the FDA for aesthetic use in 2002, marking a turning point in cosmetic medicine. Thanks to their research, the Carruthers are largely credited for making BOTOX® a household name, according to the ASDS.

Alastair retired in 2015 and returned to academics. He studied European and Middle Eastern history at the University of British Columbia. In his personal life, he was passionate about sports and fine wine.

"Dr. Alastair Carruthers will be deeply missed by his family, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him," the ASDS' statement reads. "His legacy of innovation, leadership and dedication will continue to inspire and impact the lives of many."

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.