The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine | 2020

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The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2020 was awarded jointly to Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice "for the discovery of Hepatitis C virus."

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Summary:

This year’s Nobel Prize is awarded to three scientists who have made a decisive contribution to the fight against blood-borne hepatitis, a major global health problem that causes cirrhosis and liver cancer in people around the world. 

Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice made seminal discoveries that led to the identification of a novel virus, Hepatitis C virus. Prior to their work, the discovery of the Hepatitis A and B viruses had been critical steps forward, but the majority of blood-borne hepatitis cases remained unexplained. 

The discovery of Hepatitis C virus revealed the cause of the remaining cases of chronic hepatitis and made possible blood tests and new medicines that have saved millions of lives.

Hepatitis – a global threat to human health:

There are two main forms of hepatitis. One form is an acute disease caused by Hepatitis A virus that is transmitted by contaminated water or food. 

The other form is caused by Hepatitis B virus or Hepatitis C virus (this year’s Nobel Prize). 

This form of blood-borne hepatitis is often a chronic disease that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Identification of Hepatitis C virus:

The methodical studies of transfusion-associated hepatitis by Harvey J. Alter demonstrated that an unknown virus was a common cause of chronic hepatitis. 

Michael Houghton used an untested strategy to isolate the genome of the new virus that was named Hepatitis C virus. 

Charles M. Rice provided the final evidence showing that Hepatitis C virus alone could cause hepatitis.

Significance of this Nobel Prize-awarded discovery:

The discoveries by the three Nobel laureates allowed the design of sensitive blood tests that have eliminated the risk of transfusion-transmitted hepatitis in a large part of the world. 

This breakthrough also enabled the development of antiviral drugs that can cure the disease.

Hepatitis C remains a major global health concern, but the opportunity now exists to eliminate the disease.

Please click here for the Official Nobel Prize Page.