Michael J. Fox Receives 2025 Roy Vagelos Award for Global Health Equity

Michael J. Fox to Be Honored with Prestigious Health Equity Award

On October 30, 2025, Michael J. Fox will receive the esteemed Roy Vagelos Pro Bono Humanum Award for Global Health Equity at the 19th annual Prix Galien USA Awards Ceremony. This significant event will take place at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, where the Galien Foundation recognizes exemplary contributions to the field of life sciences.

The Galien Foundation, known for celebrating innovators in life sciences, has chosen Fox for this honor due to his immense impact on Parkinson's disease through The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The organization has been instrumental in enhancing research, fostering the development of novel therapies, and facilitating dialogue within the medical community surrounding Parkinson’s disease. Kenneth C. Frazier, Co-Chair of the Prix Galien USA Committees, emphasized Fox's unwavering commitment to advancing Parkinson's research and advocacy.

Michael J. Fox established his foundation after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, aiming to accelerate scientific research and improve therapeutic outcomes for people affected by the condition. Since its inception, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has emerged as a global leader in funding pioneering studies, supporting clinical trials, and promoting partnerships across scientific and medical disciplines. The foundation's initiatives have yielded significant breakthroughs, including the discovery of new biomarkers and innovative treatment options for patients.

The Roy Vagelos Award, which honors exceptional efforts to enhance human health via biomedical science, was renamed in 2018 to honor Dr. P. Roy Vagelos, a distinguished biopharmaceutical leader and philanthropist whose work has shaped global health. This award acknowledges both individual and collective endeavors to address health challenges in underserved communities worldwide.

During the ceremony, the legacy of the late Professor Elie Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Laureate and the Honorary Founding President of the Galien Foundation, will also be remembered. The inaugural Galien Patient Summit will pay tribute to his contributions and vision.

Michael Rosenblatt, MD, Co-Chair of the Prix Galien USA Committees, commended Fox for changing public perception of Parkinson's disease and showcasing the power of scientific advocacy. He noted, “Michael J. Fox has changed the way the world sees both Parkinson's disease and the power of science to address it.” The recognition serves not only to honor the advancements and hope generated by the Michael J. Fox Foundation but also highlights the dignity and inspiration provided to patients, their families, and the scientific community.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation continues its mission to enhance the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease, alongside raising global awareness. Individuals interested in supporting or learning more about the foundation's initiatives are encouraged to visit www.michaeljfox.org.

For further details on the award and previous recipients, visit the Galien Foundation's official website at www.galienfoundation.org/roy-vagelos-pro-bono-humanum-award. Participants are also invited to join the 2025 Prix Galien USA Forum and Awards Ceremony by visiting join.galienfoundation.org. The Galien Foundation remains committed to fostering scientific innovation aimed at improving human health, pushing the boundaries of medical practices, and saving lives worldwide.

For more information on the Galien Foundation or to follow them on social media, visit their Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.