Born in Craiova,[1] he attended the city's Carol I High School.
[2] He then graduated from the chemistry faculty of the University of Bucharest, following which he earned a doctorate in 1963.
His research focused on the comparative biochemistry of cerebral and muscular proteins, enzymology, synthesis of new molecular compounds with applications in biochemistry, and mechanisms of metabolic regulation and control.
Together or in collaboration, he authored fourteen monographs and some 280 articles, many of which were reviewed and cited abroad.
Elected a corresponding member of the Romanian Academy in 1991, he was raised to titular membership in 2001.