Elliot Barnathan News Today

Ms. Karikó's presentation traced the pivotal milestones in mRNA research, from its discovery in 1961 to its transformative applications today.

Katalin Kariko, Hungarian-born biochemist known for her pioneering research into RNA therapeutics, particularly messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. Kariko’s investigation into the ability of mRNA to trigger immune responses in animals and humans greatly facilitated the development of the first mRNA vaccines.

Katalin Karikó of Hungary and Drew Weissman of the United States were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine on October 2 for their work in the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.

Recent lawsuits on mRNA technology are attempts by various corporations to take control of these vital discoveries for their own enrichment. Recent advances in molecular technology that allows for gene editing and protein manufacturing portend a revolution in medicine that can offer personalized treatments for a broad array of diseases.

Katalin Kariko is a biochemist from Hungary who emigrated with her family to the United States in 1985, hoping to ace academia and settle into a scientific career. She is among the fourth vaccine scientists named in TIME magazine’s 2021 list of Heroes of the Year.

The Pfizer-BioNTech jab relies on the doggedness of a Hungarian butcher’s daughter

Karikó, who is the vice-president of BioNTech, was recruited in 1978 as listed agent when Hungary was under the Soviet-backed Communist regime of János Kádár.

Kati Kariko Helped Shield the World From the Coronavirus Collaborating with devoted colleagues, Dr. Kariko laid the groundwork for the mRNA vaccines turning the tide of the pandemic. Katalin Kariko at her home in Jenkintown, Pa., in February. Dr. Kariko’s early research into mRNA eventually led to development of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.Credit...Hannah Yoon April 8, 2021, 11:31 a.m. ET She grew up in Hungary, daughter of a butcher. She decided she wanted to be a scientist, alt...