The asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate to (+)-methyl lactate using Pt-C catalyst modified with cinchonidine was studied. Preheating of the catalyst at 200~400°C in hydrogen atmosphere before modification with cinchonidine was found to be necessary for high asymmetric-inducing activity to be acquired. The catalyst thus prepared had high asymmetric selectivity (optical yield=78.7%) in ethanol containing a small amount of cinchonidine. © 1979, The Chemical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.