Janet Davison Rowley, the Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics, and Cell Biology and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago; Brian Druker of the Oregon Health and Science University; and Nicholas Lydon, formerly with Novartis, are the recipients of the 2012 Japan Prize for Healthcare and Medical Technology. They were awarded the prize for their roles in the development of the targeted anti-cancer drug Gleevec.
The three researchers "have made significant contributions to society by achieving momentous scientific and technological breakthroughs in creating and promoting new technologies for medical diagnosis and treatment," the Japan Prize Foundation said in a statement this week. They will each receive an equal share of 50 million Japanese Yen (approximately $215,000).