Acceptance speech by Robert S. Langer, winner of the 2022 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine, who was honored alongside Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their contributions to the development of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and technologies for delivering mRNA into cells. His pioneering research on drug delivery systems using microparticles and nanoparticles has made it possible to transport therapeutic molecules into the body and contributed to the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
Langer recalls the beginning of his career, when he decided to apply his chemical engineering expertise to medicine, and the difficulties he faced in securing research funding and scientific recognition. He explains how he developed particles capable of delivering large molecules despite initial skepticism from the research community. He also reviews the founding of Moder
Acceptance speech by Robert S. Langer, winner of the 2022 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine, who was honored alongside Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman for their contributions to the development of messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and technologies for delivering mRNA into cells. His pioneering research on drug delivery systems using microparticles and nanoparticles has made it possible to transport therapeutic molecules into the body and contributed to the development of COVID-19 vaccines.
Langer recalls the beginning of his career, when he decided to apply his chemical engineering expertise to medicine, and the difficulties he faced in securing research funding and scientific recognition. He explains how he developed particles capable of delivering large molecules despite initial skepticism from the research community. He also reviews the founding of Moderna and its role in developing mRNA vaccines, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, innovation and the work of researchers such as Karikó and Weissman in translating scientific advances into treatments for patients.
