Arising from: Moser HW et al. (2007) Nat Clin Pract Neurol 3: 140–151 doi:10.1038/ncpneuro0421

The senior author of this paper, Hugo Moser, died at age 82 on 20 January 2007. Few individuals have ever had such a personal impact on any disease as Hugo did on adrenoleukodystrophy. A true clinician–scientist, he identified the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids, devised diagnostic laboratory tests, dissected the pathophysiology, and developed treatments.

Born in Switzerland, Hugo began his research career in Boston before becoming Director of the Kennedy Kreiger Institute and Professor of Neurology at Johns Hopkins. In this role he had immeasurable impact on a number of other childhood neurological diseases including Rett syndrome, and he was a pioneer in studies of the peroxisomal disorders.

Beyond his scientific accomplishments, Hugo was distinguished by his warm and expansive personality, his scientific and personal generosity, and a humility that impressed all who met him for the first time. He was legendary for his affection and devotion to patients with adrenoleukodystrophy and the peroxisomal disorders, to their families, and to their advocacy groups. Although ill in the last few months of his life, his enthusiasm for science never diminished, as reflected in this review of ‘his’ disease.