Japanese scientist wagi ng Nobel Prize in Medicine 2018

Itinanghal na co-winner ng Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2018 si Tasuku Honjo, isang tanyag na propesor sa Kyoto University.

Kasamang nanalo ni Honjo, 76, si James P. Allison, 70, ng MD Anderson Cancer Center sa University of Texas.

Kinilala ng Nobel Assembly sa Karolinska Institute ang kontribusyon ng dalawang siyentipiko “for their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.”

Nadiskubre ni Honjo ang PD-1, isang uri ng protina na nag-ambag sa pag-unlad ng immunotherapeutic drug na Nivolumab na ibinibenta bilang Opdivo at ginagamit laban sa lung cancer at melanoma.

“I’m very honored to receive the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine,” ani Honjo sa isang press conference matapos ang pag-anunsyo.

Nagpahayag din ng pagkagalak si Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sa magandang balita.

“This award reflects the high acclaim given worldwide to Professor Honjo’s discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation,” pahayag ni Abe.

“I take great pride as a citizen of Japan in the fact that this discovery of truth, achieved through the creative ideas of a Japanese researcher, has greatly contributed to the continued progress of humankind and the international community and has been recognized by the world,” dagdag pa niya.

Paghahatian ng dalawa ang prize money na nagkakahalaga ng siyam na milyong Swedish crowns.

Si Honjo ang panlimang Hapon na nanalo ng physiology o medicine prize at pang-26 na Hapon na ginawaran ng Nobel Prize.

Gaganapin ang awards ceremony sa Stockholm sa Disyembre 10.