John Mendelsohn, MD
Tony Hunter, PhD
Brian Druker, MD
The 2018 Tang prize in Biopharmaceutical Science is being shared by three cancer researchers, including targeted cancer therapy researcher John Mendelsohn, MD, former President of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Tony Hunter, PhD, Professor of Biology at the Salk Institute; and Brian Druker, MD, Director of the Oregon Health Sciences University Knight Cancer Institute. Dr. Mendelsohn is being awarded for his work using antibodies to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which led to the subsequent development of the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab (Erbitux), approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of colon and head and neck cancers.
Dr. Hunter discovered tyrosine phosphorylation and demonstrated the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in uncontrolled cancer growth.
Dr. Druker is recognized for his advocacy for and leadership of the successful clinical trial of imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia.
Tang prizes are awarded in four categories: Biopharmaceutical Science, Sustainable Development, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Winners receive a medal and diploma and share a cash award of approximately $1.33 million and a $330,000 research grant. ■
