2026 Tang Prize Honors Pioneers in Cellular Immunotherapy Advancements
Three Innovators in Cellular Immunotherapy Recognized
On June 16, 2026, the Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science celebrated the remarkable achievements of three eminent scientists: Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, Dr. Michel Sadelain, and Dr. Carl H. June. These laureates have made significant strides in the realm of cellular immunotherapy, particularly through the innovations surrounding tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies. Their work is credited with revolutionizing treatments for various blood cancers and solid tumors, marking a transformative leap in cancer care.
A New Era in Cancer Treatment
Cellular immunotherapy leverages a patient's immune cells to combat cancer, with CAR-T therapy at the forefront. This method saw its first FDA approval in 2017 and has since provided new hope to over 30,000 patients grappling with blood cancers. With an increasing number of breakthrough advancements in 2026, the scope of CAR-T therapy is expanding into innovative areas such as CRISPR-Cas9 cell editing, therapies for autoimmune diseases, cardiac repair, and beyond.
Dr. Steven A. Rosenberg, renowned as the