James Allison, Ph.D., Wins 2018 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research

Johnson & Johnson named James Allison, Ph.D., of University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, winner of the 2018 Dr. Paul Janssen Award for Biomedical Research. On 6 September, Dr. Allison will receive this prestigious award in Beerse, Belgium for his groundbreaking research in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses a person’s immune system to fight diseases. In the last several decades, it has become an important tool in treating some types of cancer.

Dr. Allison developed a novel and effective strategy to harness the immune system for treating solid tumor cancers, and joins 15 other scientists who have received the Dr. Paul Janssen Award, including two who went on to win the Nobel Prize.

“Dr. Allison’s innovative approach to treating cancer through harnessing the power of the immune system has led to breakthrough therapies that are providing hope for patients around the world,” said Paul Stoffels, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “We are proud to honor the legacy of Dr. Paul Janssen by celebrating today's pioneers like Dr. Allison.”

A video of Dr. Allison’s full acceptance comments can be viewed below. Janssen awards the prize for the twelfth time in memory of Dr. Paul Janssen. The winner is chosen by a leading and independent selection committee made up of leading scientists and clinicians, including some Nobel Prize winners. The prestigious award consists of a trophy and a cash prize of 200,000 dollars. Click here for more information about the Dr. Paul Janssen Award.