Famed physician Brandt dies at 74

OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Dr. Edward N. Brandt Jr., who gained notoriety for heading up the U.S. government's initial response to the AIDS epidemic, died last month at the age of 74.

Brandt, who served as Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary during the initial AIDS outbreak in the United States, died on Aug. 26 in Oklahoma City, Okla., the Los Angeles Times said Wednesday.

While leading the fight against AIDS in the United States, Brandt also helped obtain the necessary funding for a major laboratory for disease research at the disease control center.

Brandt, who had lung cancer, later was a noted figure in the 1982 Tylenol poisoning incident in which seven Chicago residents died.

Based on the findings in that case, Brandt successfully pushed for tamper-proof packaging for medications.

The Times said Brandt is survived by his wife, Patricia Lawson; his sons Edward III, Patrick J. and Rex C.; his father Edward Sr.; his brother, Carlin; his sister, Jennifer Wessel; and seven grandchildren.