Nobel laureate Drew Weissman, an immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania, has achieved global recognition for his pioneering research on messenger RNA, the basis of COVID-19 vaccines. At 64, Weissman is at the peak of his career, but his passion and dedication have not diminished. After receiving medicine’s highest award, Weissman has no plans to retire. On the contrary, he is focused on further accelerating his work.
His primary mission is to improve messenger RNA vaccines against COVID-19 and develop universal vaccines that cover all future variants and any bat coronaviruses that may affect humans. He is working in collaboration with an international team to create a “pancoronavirus” vaccine, a solution he believes will be the definitive one.
Weissman is also fighting misinformation and inequity in vaccine distribution. He is involved in initiatives to address reluctance globally and is involved in setting up production hubs in low- and middle-income countries. His goal is to provide access to RNA technology to all parts of the world, ensuring that science not only progresses but also reaches the people who need it most.
Weissman’s path from anonymity to prominence represents an extraordinary journey in the history of science. His work has not only changed the course of the pandemic but has also paved the way for future medical innovations. With passionate focus and tireless determination, Drew Weissman continues to be a driving force in finding solutions to global health challenges.