Prince of Asturias Award Immunology Therapies Discoveries

Gregory Winter and Richard A. Lerner

Today the joint candidature of the British biologist Gregory Winter and the American pathologist Richard A. Lerner won the award of ‘Prince of Asturias Scientific and Technical Research‘ for their contributions to the field of immunology and obtaining antibodies.

The antibodies are essential for the immunity system since it can identify an organism and defend it against foreign agents. Winter discovered a way to modify animal cells and make them produce antibodies that work in the human body.

Meanwhile Richard Lerner made one of the most important discoveries, the monoclonal antibodies over a quarter of a century. His discovery has permitted that all the libraries in the biochemistry field improve the action range of the immunity system.

The jury chose these two scientists from a 45 candidates from 19 countries. The award comes with 50,000 Euros, a sculpture designed by Joan Miró as well as a diploma and badge of recognition. (AV)