The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded on Monday to the scientists whose studies have led to the identification of the hepatitis C virus. The prize winners are Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice.
The scientists’ “groundbreaking studies” have led to the identification of the virus, the committee said. Not only did they discover what causes the virus, but they also paved the way for blood tests and drugs.
Infection with the hepatitis C virus can be fatal. In 80 percent of patients, this leads to chronic hepatitis, which means that the infected person carries the virus for more than six months. In the long term, this can cause damage to the liver. Nearly one in five patients can experience severe liver damage or liver cancer.
There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, but an infection can now be treated well with medication. Millions of lives have been saved through the work of Alter, Houghton and Rice. The trio, who work for different universities, independently researched the virus.
A Nobel Prize will be awarded every working day until next Monday. Traditionally, the awards take place at a later time. Due to the corona pandemic, the ceremonies in Stockholm, Sweden, are canceled, but the prizes will be awarded in the home countries of the winners.
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