Key points from article :
The 2024 Breakthrough Prize winners in Life Sciences have been recognized for groundbreaking contributions to medical science. Carl June and Michel Sadelain pioneered CAR T-cell therapy, a cutting-edge cancer treatment that genetically engineers immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells, offering hope for long-term remission in patients with blood cancers. Meanwhile, Sabine Hadida, Paul Negulescu, and Fredrick Van Goor developed life-changing drugs for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease that damages the lungs. Their medications repair the faulty protein causing the condition, significantly improving the lives of patients.
Another key breakthrough in Life Sciences comes from Thomas Gasser, Ellen Sidransky, and Andrew Singleton, who identified genetic mutations linked to Parkinson's disease. Their discoveries shed light on how certain genes increase the risk of developing the disease, offering new avenues for treatment by focusing on cellular waste-processing systems.
These laureates exemplify how innovative research can transform healthcare, providing new therapies for diseases once deemed untreatable. The Breakthrough Prize celebrates these achievements, with each laureate receiving $3 million for their vital contributions to science and medicine.
