Katalin Karikó: From Poverty to Nobel Prize for mRNA Vaccine Research

Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian-American biochemist, has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, along with her research partner Drew Weissman, for their groundbreaking discoveries that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19. Karikó, who grew up in poverty in Hungary, overcame numerous challenges to pursue her passion for science and make significant contributions to the field of antiviral research.

In a recent interview about her autobiography, published in Italian, Karikó discussed her very poor childhood, university years, the control of the political police, and her move to America . Despite facing obstacles and initial skepticism from her bosses, Karikó insisted on understanding the role of RNA and using it for therapeutic purposes. Her perseverance and dedication eventually led to the development of the mRNA technology used in COVID-19 vaccines.

Why this matters: Karikó's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, highlighting the importance of perseverance and dedication in the face of adversity. Her groundbreaking research has had a profound impact on global health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has opened up new possibilities for the development of vaccines and treatments for various diseases.

Karikó, who was recently recruited by the state security services in Hungary in the late 1970s, sees her Nobel Prize as a victory for women. She felt that one woman believed in her the least, while men supported her work. Karikó also spoke about the most difficult obstacles she had to overcome, including moving from communist Hungary to the USA and starting over in Germany , where she didn't know the language.

In a generous act of giving back, Karikó has donated a replica of her Nobel Prize and the prize money, amounting to over $500,000, to her former alma mater, the University of Szeged (SZTE) in Hungary. The donation will support outstanding teachers and students at the university, where a permanent exhibition on Karikó's life and work has been opened.

Karikó emphasized that the development of modified mRNA is inexpensive and fast, leading to over 250 clinical trials using mRNA technology worldwide, with potential applications in vaccines against various diseases and cancer treatments. The University of Szeged's Rector, László Rovó, noted that Karikó's Nobel Prize-winning discovery has the potential to bring significant changes to healthcare in the coming decades.

Key Takeaways

• Katalin Karikó, a Hungarian-American biochemist, awarded 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
• Her groundbreaking research on mRNA technology enabled effective COVID-19 vaccines development.
• Karikó overcame poverty, political obstacles, and skepticism to pursue her passion for science.
• Karikó donated Nobel Prize money to her alma mater, the University of Szeged, Hungary.
• mRNA technology has potential for vaccines and cancer treatments, with over 250 clinical trials.