Pioneers of CAR T-Cell Therapy Honored with 2025 Merkin Prize

Pioneers of CAR T-Cell Therapy Honored with the 2025 Merkin Prize

On September 30, 2025, a momentous event took place at the Broad Institute, celebrating the innovative advancements in cancer treatment through CAR T-cell therapy. The 2025 Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology was awarded to four distinguished innovators: Carl June, Bruce Levine, Isabelle Rivière, and Michel Sadelain. This prestigious award, endowed by the Merkin Family Foundation, recognizes significant contributions to human health and comes with a $400,000 prize.

CAR T-cell therapy has revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment, with over 45,000 patients globally experiencing its life-saving effects. It involves engineering a patient’s immune cells to effectively combat cancer cells, turning them into potent weapons against tumors. This method, often referred to as “the first living drug,” allows for a patient’s own cells to be transformed into targeted cancer fighters. Once re-infused into the body, these engineered cells can multiply and persist, providing ongoing protection against the disease.

At the award ceremony, Richard N. Merkin highlighted the importance of perseverance and innovation in the work of the prizewinners. He commended their ability to venture beyond conventional thinking, stating, "They looked for the possible in the impossible. Breakthroughs require pattern breaking, and being extraordinarily different is key to any breakthrough."

The symposium also featured endorsements from several notable figures in the medical community. Nobel laureate Harold Varmus, chair of the Merkin Prize selection committee, remarked on how the emphasis on impactful technologies sets the Merkin Prize apart from many others that reward discoveries rather than the crucial processes behind them. Todd Golub, a prominent figure at the Broad Institute, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of the CAR T-cell approach, which challenged long-held beliefs about the role of the immune system in cancer treatment.

Tom Furdon, a former acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient who benefited from CAR T-cell therapy, shared his inspiring recovery story. "In no time, I was feeling much better and on my way to recovery," he reflected, praising the speed and effectiveness of the treatment. His heartfelt gratitude extended to the dedicated medical team that made his recovery possible, encapsulating the poignant human impact of this therapy.

Throughout the event, each laureate took to the stage to present their contributions to the development of CAR T-cell therapy. Sadelain discussed the early identification of CD19 as a therapeutic target, while Levine elaborated on transitioning the technology into clinical practice. Rivière detailed the manufacturing process for CAR T-cells, emphasizing quality assurance and regulatory compliance, vital for bringing this revolutionary treatment to patients.

Moreover, Carl June delivered a powerful message via video, reinforcing that the Merkin Prize is a tribute to collective efforts and the arduous scientific journey these pioneering scientists embarked upon together.

The Merkin Prize also reflects a broader commitment to fostering transformative health technologies. The relationship between the Merkin Family Foundation and the Broad Institute has led to numerous initiatives aimed at supporting research that challenges existing paradigms in healthcare. The launch of the Merkin Institute for Transformative Technologies in Healthcare in 2017 underlined this goal, providing essential support to trailblazing projects that have the potential to profoundly impact patient care.

Looking ahead, nominations for the 2026 Merkin Prize are currently open, inviting submissions from all sectors involved in health innovations. This inclusive eligibility encourages a diverse range of participants, fostering continued advancements in medicine.

As the field of CAR T-cell therapy continues to expand, with clinical trials underway for various cancers, the work of these remarkable innovators serves as a beacon of hope for patients and families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. Their groundbreaking contributions exemplify the limitless potential of science in improving human health, demonstrating the profound difference that dedicated researchers can make in the lives of countless individuals battling illness.

In conclusion, the celebration of the 2025 Merkin Prize for CAR T-cell therapy not only recognized individual achievements but underscored the collective progress made in the fight against cancer, inspiring future generations of scientists and medical professionals to continue pursuing groundbreaking innovations in healthcare.