Prince Mahidol award 2023 goes to two American scientists

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn yesterday awarded the Prince Mahidol Award for 2023 to two American scientists, Professor Dr Napoleone Ferrara, a medical researcher, and Professor Dr Barry H Rumack, a public health expert. The award is a global recognition of their scientific contributions that have significantly advanced medical treatments.

The ceremony took place at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, Grand Palace. Dr Ferrara and Dr Rumack were among 92 nominees from 31 countries, who were being considered for this prestigious award.

Dr Ferrara’s noteworthy achievement is the discovery of the Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and specifically, the identification and purification of VEGF as a powerful mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. The fruits of his research include the development of the anti-VEGF antibody, Bevacizumab, a key drug in…