Albert Bowers, 60; Head of Syntex Firm

Albert Bowers, prominent scientist and chairman and former chief executive officer of Syntex, the Palo Alto-based pharmaceutical company, has died. He was 60.

Bowers died Thursday night at the UC San Francisco Medical Center after an extended battle with heart disease, the company announced Friday.

Joining the company in 1956 as research group leader, Bowers published more than 90 scientific papers on steroid research and originated more than 120 U.S. patents. Among his major accomplishments were developing methods for the selective fluorination of steroids, which helped create topical ointments for treating skin diseases, and developing a special synthesis for norethindrone, which permitted large-scale manufacture of that oral contraceptive agent.

Bowers became president of Syntex in 1976, was chief executive officer from 1980 to 1989 and had served as chairman of the board since 1981. Because of poor health, he had planned to retire July 31.

In 1964, Bowers received the Science Prize from the Mexican Academy of Science.

He had served as chairman of the board of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Assn., the industry’s national trade group.

Born in Manchester, England, July 16, 1930, Bowers was graduated from London University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and from the University of Manchester with a doctorate in organic chemistry. He did postdoctoral work in the United States on a Fulbright Fellowship.

Bowers is survived by his wife, Gwynn Akin Bowers, his mother, five daughters, two brothers, a sister and two grandsons.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to the Foundation for Medicine, which funds research on heart disease, in care of Dr. Kanu Chatterjee, UC San Francisco, 505 Parnassus, Room 1186 of Moffitt Building, San Francisco, Calif. 94143.