Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman of Penn Medicine have been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking RNA research. Their work on modifying mRNA for therapeutic purposes has played a crucial role in the development of life-saving vaccines, particularly during the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of Pennsylvania researchers have been recognized for their long-standing scientific collaboration and their discovery of how to effectively modify mRNA for therapeutic use. This breakthrough has led to the rapid development of mRNA-based vaccines, which have proven to be highly effective in stimulating the body's immune defenses.
Penn President Liz Magill commended the dedication and groundbreaking work of Karikó and Weissman, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to exploring the therapeutic potential of mRNA even before its value in addressing global challenges was fully realized. Magill stated, "Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman are brilliant researchers who represent the epitome of scientific inspiration and determination. Our Penn community is enormously proud of their groundbreaking achievements and this well-deserved recognition."
The significance of Karikó and Weissman's research became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna utilized their technology to develop their mRNA vaccines, which have played a crucial role in the global vaccination efforts. In the United States alone, mRNA vaccines have accounted for over 655 million cumulative doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines administered since their introduction in December 2020.
The Nobel Prize recognition adds to the University of Pennsylvania's impressive track record, with Karikó and Weissman becoming the 28th and 29th Nobel laureates associated with the institution. Their work also adds to the nine previous Nobel laureates connected to the University of Pennsylvania who have received the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
“The phrase Nobel Prize elicits images of individuals whose work has, without exaggeration, changed the world,” said J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, executive vice president of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine. “During the biggest public health crisis of our lifetimes, vaccine developers relied upon the discoveries by Dr. Weissman and Dr. Karikó, which saved innumerable lives and paved a path out of the pandemic. Now, the same approach is being tested for other diseases and conditions. More than 15 years after their visionary laboratory partnership, Kati and Drew have made an everlasting imprint on medicine.”
The pioneering work of Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman has not only revolutionized the field of mRNA research but has also had a profound impact on global health. Their dedication and determination have been recognized with the prestigious Nobel Prize, solidifying their place in scientific history.