**Katalin Karikó, the Hungarian-born biochemist whose pioneering research laid the foundation for the mRNA vaccines that have helped protect billions from COVID-19, has been awarded the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.** The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet announced the award on Monday, October 3, honoring Karikó and her colleague Drew Weissman for their discoveries on the development of mRNA vaccines..
Karikó’s journey to becoming a Nobel laureate has been marked by perseverance and unwavering dedication to scientific research. Born in Hungary in 1955, she earned her doctorate in biochemistry in 1982 and spent the early part of her career studying the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis. In the 1990s, she became interested in the potential of mRNA as a therapeutic tool..
At the time, mRNA was considered too unstable and prone to immune reactions for use in vaccines or therapeutics. However, Karikó believed that with the right modifications, mRNA could be harnessed to deliver genetic instructions to cells and trigger the production of specific proteins..
Working in relative obscurity at the University of Pennsylvania, Karikó and Weissman developed a method to encapsulate mRNA in lipid nanoparticles, which protected the mRNA from degradation and allowed it to enter cells more efficiently. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the development of mRNA vaccines, which have since revolutionized the fight against infectious diseases..
In 2020, the world witnessed the transformative power of mRNA vaccines firsthand as the COVID-19 pandemic raged. Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, two companies that licensed Karikó’s technology, developed mRNA vaccines that were highly effective in preventing severe illness and death from COVID-19. These vaccines have played a crucial role in bringing the pandemic under control and saving countless lives..
The Nobel Prize is a fitting recognition of Karikó’s groundbreaking work. Her research has not only led to the development of life-saving vaccines but has also opened up new possibilities for treating a wide range of diseases. As the world faces new health challenges, Karikó’s legacy as a pioneer in mRNA technology will continue to inspire generations of scientists and researchers..
In a statement following the announcement, Karikó expressed her gratitude for the recognition and acknowledged the contributions of her colleagues and collaborators. She also emphasized the importance of basic research and the need to support scientists who are pursuing innovative ideas..
