Katalin Karikó, Hungarian biochemist and Drew Weissman, American microbiologist, were awarded this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 – as announced on 2 October 2023 at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Katalin Karikó began her research at the HUN-REN Biological Research Centre in Szeged, which later served as the basis for the development of the vaccine. Once again, the globally acclaimed scientist has demonstrated the remarkable potential within Hungarian research. This accolade sends a message to the nation's youth, emphasizing the value of pursuing a career in research, and to researchers, it highlights the importance of aiming for international excellence.
The discoveries by the two Nobel Laureates were critical for developing effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 during the pandemic that began in early 2020. Through their groundbreaking findings, which have fundamentally changed our understanding of how mRNA interacts with our immune system, the laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times. The impressive flexibility and speed with which mRNA vaccines can be developed pave the way for using the new platform also for vaccines against other infectious diseases. In the future, the technology may also be used to deliver therapeutic proteins and treat some cancer types.
Congratulations to Professor Karikó for being awarded the Nobel Prize, the pinnacle of international scientific accolades.