Drew Weissman ’81, GSAS MA’81, P’15, H’23, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine alongside collaborator Katalin Karikó, H’23, for their groundbreaking work in messenger RNA (mRNA) that has led to the development of lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines. Weissman and Karikó were also recipients of an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Brandeis University at this year’s Commencement.
Weissman, speaking at graduation, acknowledged the role Brandeis played in his journey: “It is here that I honed my critical thinking skills, starting as a freshman in Shapiro Hall, and nurtured my passion for scientific exploration in Professor Gerry Fasman’s biochemistry lab. I learned the value of collaboration and open-mindedness while being an active student, campus member, and part-time activist.”
In recognition of their outstanding contributions, Weissman and Karikó were also honored with the 50th Annual Lewis S. Rosenstiel Award in Basic Medical Research by Brandeis and the Rosenstiel Foundation in February 2021. Additionally, they received the prestigious Lasker award in clinical medical research.
Brandeis President Ron Liebowitz commended Weissman, stating, “Drew’s pioneering research in messenger RNA is a true breakthrough for science. Through his visionary work, he has not only altered the course of a pandemic, but has advanced human knowledge and understanding in ways that will shape vaccine research for generations to come. His remarkable achievement is one of the great scientific accomplishments of our time.”
Originally from Lexington, Massachusetts, Weissman’s passion for science led him to Brandeis, where he studied biochemistry and enzymology, immersed himself in research in professor Gerald Fasman’s lab, and engaged in various activist activities alongside his studies. Weissman reflected, “Coming to Brandeis expanded my learning. I learned about politics, I learned about psychology, I learned about sociology, I learned about music, theater and opera. All of those things have continued to expand over my years after graduating. So, I think it really broadened me as a person.”
After graduating from Brandeis with bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Weissman pursued further education, earning his PhD and MD from Boston University. He went on to complete a residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and a fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where he worked on HIV research under the supervision of Dr. Anthony Fauci. Since 1997, Weissman has held the position of professor of medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
In an event hosted by Brandeis, Weissman emphasized his commitment to basic science: “I’m still a basic scientist, I always will be. Basic science is being able to take an idea, and test it and see if it works. And if it doesn’t work, you do something else. And a career in basic science to me is incredibly satisfying.”
Weissman and Karikó’s groundbreaking research involved the modification of mRNA, a molecule responsible for transporting instructions to cells for protein production. By engineering a modified version of mRNA and developing a delivery system, they were able to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies and provide partial immunity against viruses. This breakthrough paved the way for the development of the BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
Renowned scientist Michael Rosbash highlighted the impact of their work: “The most creative of these rely on the new messenger RNA technology pioneered by Kariko and Weissman. This is a great story where individual initiative in basic science has ended up having a remarkable real-world impact.”
Unlike traditional vaccines, which involve injecting weakened or killed viruses, the mRNA technology allows for the reprogramming of mRNA to target different diseases, making it a more cost-effective and versatile approach. Brandeis provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, Carol Fierke, emphasizes the significance of Weissman and Karikó’s innovation: “The COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough is a great example of how basic science innovations, such as the RNA technology pioneered by Weissman and Karikó, can have an enormous impact on advances in the biomedical sciences.”
Weissman attributes his success to his experience as a biochemistry major at Brandeis, where he honed his critical thinking skills and developed new lines of research. He appreciates the support he received from both his peers and professors, stating, “They wanted us to succeed, and I think that’s what shaped my future. Where right now I have a lot of students in my lab and I work with them to help them succeed, and that’s what Brandeis taught me. I think what really sticks out in my mind is the collegiality, the collaborative nature, and the friendships that I developed at Brandeis. It was an incredibly warm and supportive community.”
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