Johnson & Johnson Celebrates COVID-19 Vaccine Science Superheroes

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) today announced Katalin Karikó, Ph.D. of BioNTech Pharmaceuticals and the University of Pennsylvania and Drew Weissman M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania as winners of the 2021 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research . The duo were honored for their foundational work that enabled the use of messenger RNA in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, and holds tremendous promise for development of future vaccines and therapeutics.

The company also recognized other scientists from across academia, government and industry who have worked tirelessly since the start of the pandemic to bring COVID-19 vaccines to the world as "Vaccine Science Superheroes" and donated $100,000 in their honor to IntraHealth International – a non-profit organization supporting front-line health workers tackling COVID-19.

"Among the dozens of nominations of deserving researchers, the work of Drs. Karikó and Weissman stood out not only for the impact it is already having on the COVID-19 pandemic, but also for the potential it holds for preventing and treating other serious diseases," said Richard P. Lifton , M.D., Ph.D., President of The Rockefeller University and Dr. Paul Janssen Award committee chair.

Karikó and Weissman were selected as the 2021 winners by an independent committee of world-renowned scientists. They join 19 scientists who have received the Dr. Paul Janssen Award since 2004, including five who went on to win the Nobel Prize.

"It is a great honor to recognize the work of researchers like Dr. Karikó and Dr. Weissman, and all of the COVID-19 vaccine science superheroes who embody the same curiosity, perseverance and commitment to improving human health as Dr. Paul Janssen ," said Paul Stoffels , M.D., Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. "They persevered in the face of so many obstacles along their science journey, and today their work is helping save millions of lives all over the world."

Johnson & Johnson will honor these remarkable scientists during a live webcast program "Eureka Moments: Vaccine Science Superheroes" on September 28, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. ET via Johnson & Johnson's page on LinkedIn . The program will showcase the scientists behind the headlines whose Eureka moments are improving human health, including perspectives from Drs. Karikó and Weissman and other scientists involved in developing COVID-19 vaccines including: Dr. Dan Barouch , Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Professor Sarah Gilbert , Oxford; Dr. Tonya Villafana , AstraZeneca; Dr. Andrea Carfi , Moderna; Drs. Hanneke Schuitemaker 1 and Shirley Sylvester 2 , Johnson & Johnson. The broadcast also will feature a fireside chat about what COVID-19 has taught the world about health equity.

"While I am accepting the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research, I reflect on my humble beginning, the support of my family, teachers, mentors and colleagues who helped me on my journey," said Dr. Karikó. "I think about all those hard-working fellow scientists who are so passionate about their work and immensely contributed to the success of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine."

"I am greatly honored to receive this award, but the honor really goes to all basic science researchers who made the modified mRNA-LNP vaccines for COVID-19 possible," said Dr. Weissman.

"Now more than ever, the world needs science to come to the rescue," said Seema Kumar , Global Head, Office of Innovation, Global Health and Scientific Engagement, Johnson & Johnson. "We are pleased to recognize the extraordinary scientists behind the COVID-19 vaccines, and to showcase the dedicated men and women who are behind the lab coat and on the frontlines of the fight against serious diseases. They are a special squad of superheroes. 'Eureka!' moments is our attempt to bring you their stories."

About the Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Dr. Paul Janssen was one of the 20 th century's most gifted and passionate researchers. He helped save millions of lives through his contribution to the discovery and development of more than 80 medicines, four of which remain on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines.

The Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research was established by Johnson & Johnson in 2004 to honor the memory of Dr. Paul. Since its inception, the Award has recognized 19 outstanding scientists, five of whom have gone on to win the Nobel Prize for the same work. Winners are chosen by an independent selection committee of the world's most renowned scientists. The Award includes a $200,000 prize.

Previous winners include:

  • 2020 – Lewis Cantley , Ph.D.
  • 2019 – Franz-Ulrich Hartl , M.D., and Arthur Horwich , M.D.
  • 2018 – James Allison , Ph.D.  Nobel Laureate
  • 2017 – Douglas Wallace , Ph.D.
  • 2016 – Yoshinori Ohsumi , Ph.D.  Nobel Laureate
  • 2015 – Bert Vogelstein , M.D.
  • 2014 – Emmanuelle Charpentier , Ph.D. and Jennifer Doudna , Ph.D.  Nobel Laureates
  • 2013 – David Julius , Ph.D.
  • 2012 – Victor Ambros , Ph.D., and Gary Ruvkun , Ph.D.
  • 2011 – Napoleon Ferrara , M.D.
  • 2010 – Anthony S. Fauci , M.D. and Erick De Clercq , M.D., Ph.D.
  • 2009 – Axel Ullrich , Ph.D.
  • 2008 – Sri Ravinder Maini, FRCP , FMedSci, FRS and Marc Feldmann , FMedSci, FAA, FRS
  • 2006 – Craig Mello , Ph.D., Nobel Laureate

Learn more about The Dr. Paul Janssen Award at www.pauljanssenaward.com

About Johnson & Johnson

At Johnson & Johnson, we believe good health is the foundation of vibrant lives, thriving communities and forward progress. That's why for more than 130 years, we have aimed to keep people well at every age and every stage of life. Today, as the world's largest and most broadly based health care company, we are committed to using our reach and size for good. We strive to improve access and affordability, create healthier communities, and put a healthy mind, body and environment within reach of everyone, everywhere. We are blending our heart, science and ingenuity to profoundly change the trajectory of health for humanity. To learn more, visit www.jnj.com

1 Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V.

2 Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Johnson & Johnson

(PRNewsfoto/Johnson & Johnson)

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Medtronic to announce financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025

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Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it will report financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 . A news release will be issued at approximately 5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) and will be available at https:news.medtronic.com . The news release will include summary financial information for the company's fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025, which ended on Friday, April 25, 2025 .

Medtronic will host a video webcast at 7:00 a.m. CDT on May 21, 2025 , to discuss results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025. The webcast can be accessed at https://investorrelations.medtronic.com .

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  • Dual-energy (RF/PF), focal Sphere-9™ catheter demonstrates efficacy for linear ablation in persistent AFib
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Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced positive clinical outcomes from two studies in atrial fibrillation (AFib) patients treated with the Affera™ family of technologies, including the next-generation Sphere-360™ single-shot pulsed field ablation (PFA) catheter and the groundbreaking Sphere-9™ combination mapping and dual-energy focal PFA catheter. Data were presented in High Impact Science Sessions at the Heart Rhythm Society 2025 Annual Meeting in San Diego ; the Sphere-360 study was simultaneously published in the Heart Rhythm Journal .

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

Sphere-360 Study Safety and Performance

Sphere-360 is an investigational, first-of-its-kind, single-shot PFA mapping and ablation catheter for treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). Results for Sphere-360 at one year, in a prospective, single-arm, multi-center trial performed in European centers, demonstrated freedom from arrhythmia recurrence in 88% of patients, with chronically durable pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in 98% of targeted veins and no reported safety events in a sub-group treated with the most optimized waveform. The Sphere-360 catheter has a large, conformable lattice design that can be modified into various shapes, is seamlessly integrated with the Affera Mapping and Ablation System and utilizes an 8.5 Fr sheath – the smallest in any single-shot PFA technology.

"The Affera technology is a sophisticated ecosystem, including an advanced, intuitive mapping system and catheters that are seamlessly integrated to offer treatment options for different cardiac arrhythmias. It is encouraging to see the promising results for Sphere-360, which can easily create circumferential lesions without the need for catheter rotation," said Vivek Reddy , M.D., Director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services for the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City . "The study results showed Sphere-360 has a promising safety and performance profile with zero serious adverse events observed. Upon approval, Sphere-360 will be a valuable addition to Medtronic's Affera system, which has been a game changer for Afib treatment and physician workflow."

Medtronic intends to begin its U.S. pivotal trial for the Sphere-360 catheter later this calendar year. Worldwide, Sphere-360 is currently investigational and not approved for sale or distribution.

Sphere-9 for Linear Ablation

Additionally, in a sub-analysis from the Sphere Per-AF IDE study , results demonstrated that the Sphere-9 catheter can be used safely and effectively to create linear lesions in persistent AF patients. Linear ablation is often used in conjunction with PVI to improve the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm without recurrence in persistent AF patients. The Sphere Per-AF IDE study evaluated the safety, efficacy and efficiency of Affera and Sphere-9 in persistent AF and led to the FDA approval of Affera in October 2024 .

"True to our Medtronic mission for patients and legacy of innovation, we are delivering our best-in-class technologies to physicians and improving care for AFib patients, and we are not slowing down," said Rebecca Seidel , president of the Cardiac Ablation Solutions business at Medtronic, which is part of the Cardiovascular portfolio. "These results signify another step forward and energize us as we continue to earn and build our leadership position in electrophysiology every day."

Medtronic is the only company with two PFA offerings for physicians and patients. The PulseSelect™ Pulsed Field Ablation System offers physicians a safe, single-shot solution for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and is now available in more than 30 countries. The Affera system together with the Sphere-9 catheter enables physician treatment flexibility with its wide area focal design and 9mm lattice tip that can used with an 8.5Fr sheath. Affera is available in Europe , Australia and New Zealand , with global expansion ongoing.

AFib is one of the most common and undertreated heart rhythm disorders, affecting more than 60 million people worldwide. 1 Afib is a progressive disease, often beginning as paroxysmal AFib (presents intermittently) and progressing to persistent (lasts for more than 7+ days without stopping). As the disease progresses, the risk of serious complications including heart failure, stroke and risk of death increases 2-5 .

For more information on the Affera PFA system and the Sphere-9 catheter, visit Medtronic.com.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

References

  1. Roth GA, Mensah GA, Johnson CO et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020;76:2982-3021.
  2. Miyasaka Y, Barnes ME, Bailey KR, et al. Mortality trends in patients diagnosed with first atrial fibrillation: a 21-year community-based study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2007;49:986-92.
  3. Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Eur Heart J 2020.
  4. Wolf PA , Abbott RD, Kannel WB. Atrial fibrillation as an independent risk factor for stroke: the Framingham Study. Stroke 1991;22:983-8.
  5. Lubitz SA, Moser C, Sullivan L, et al. Atrial fibrillation patterns and risks of subsequent stroke, heart failure, or death in the community. J Am Heart Assoc 2013;2:e000126

Dr. Reddy is a paid consultant for Medtronic.

Contacts:
Leslie Williamson
Public Relations
+1-612-227-5099

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

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Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced it has submitted 510(k) applications to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking clearance for an interoperable pump. FDA clearance of this pump would pave the way for system integration with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform.

(PRNewsfoto/Medtronic plc)

The submissions included a 510(k) application for its MiniMed™ 780G pump as an alternate controller enabled (ACE) insulin pump and a separate 510(k) application for its SmartGuard™ algorithm as an interoperable automated glycemic controller (iAGC).

"We understand how meaningful these advancements are, and we're working with urgency to bring enhanced CGM options to our customers," said Que Dallara, EVP & president, Medtronic Diabetes. "This collaboration with Abbott marks an important step forward in providing innovative solutions and more choice for our customers."

This milestone follows the announcement last August that the companies will collaborate on an integrated system based on Abbott's most advanced CGM platform. Abbott will supply Medtronic with a CGM that will work exclusively with Medtronic smart dosing devices and software across both automated insulin delivery and smart multiple daily injections systems. These systems, including the Abbott CGM, will be sold exclusively by Medtronic.

More details will be shared when FDA clearance is secured.

About the Diabetes Business at Medtronic ( www.medtronicdiabetes.com )
Medtronic Diabetes is on a mission to alleviate the burden of diabetes by empowering individuals to live life on their terms, with the most advanced diabetes technology and always-on support when and how they need it. We've pioneered first-of-its-kind innovations for over 40 years and are committed to designing the future of diabetes management through next-generation sensors (CGM), intelligent dosing systems, and the power of data science and AI while always putting the customer experience at the forefront.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway , Ireland , is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn .

Any forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the partnership between Medtronic and Abbott, strategic and other potential benefits of the partnership, Abbott's products and product candidates, and other statements about Medtronic managements' future expectations, beliefs, goals, plans or prospects, are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the ability to obtain regulatory approvals, and other risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic cautions investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document, and Medtronic undertakes no obligation to update or revise any of these statements except to the extent required by law.

Contacts:
Janet Cho
Public Relations
+1-818-403-7028

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

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SOURCE Medtronic plc

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