Tang Prize Biopharmaceutical Science Awardee Sadelain Urges Young Scientists to Pursue Immunotherapy [Interview]

(Central News Agency reporter Liao Han-yuan, New York, June 16) Michel Sadelain, one of the recipients of the 7th Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science, was awarded for his research on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. He expressed gratitude to his wife, Isabelle Rivière, who gave up her own research to steadfastly support and build his team, as well as to those who supported his research throughout the years. Since the immune system is linked to all pathologies, he hopes that a new generation of scientists will continue to pursue immunotherapy research.

Sadelain was interviewed at the Columbia University Medical Center campus in New York, where he recalled the moment he learned of his award. "I was completely surprised. I don't know anyone in Taipei, and suddenly I received a strange call from afar delivering this amazing news. Of course, I knew about the Tang Prize—it's a very prestigious award—but I never imagined I would be one of the lucky recipients."

A scientist who has spent decades battling in laboratories and at cell culture instruments, Sadelain showed the shyness typical of researchers facing the media. Yet he was eager to share decades of scientific milestones with the reporter and remains deeply involved in the lab, monitoring the challenges and progress of young scientists.

He said, "I can't say I can do more, but I can keep striving. I hope to see more cancers and diseases being treated. What I especially want is to train young researchers to continue developing this field. It's encouraging that young scientists show great interest, because they see immense possibilities—such as engineering immune cells in the lab and developing autologous immune cells in vivo—that can be applied to various diseases."

Over the past century of modern medicine, humanity has faced countless challenges from viruses and bacteria. Yet cancer, which develops silently within the body, remains a deadly and intractable disease. Many scientists still believe that beyond the scalpel, the body's cellular defenses for maintaining health have not been fully harnessed.

Sadelain has spent his life persistently pursuing ways to activate T-cell pathways. He repeatedly emphasizes that the human immune system is connected to numerous diseases—from cancer and diabetes to organ transplantation, neurological conditions, wound healing, and infections. He hopes that, like him, more young, specialized, and well-trained scientists will continue to dive into research and make new discoveries.

Speaking of his long-time research partner, he said, "I want to thank many people, including some who have worked with me for 20 years. At the time, some colleagues thought this idea was crazy and would never succeed. They even advised others not to collaborate with me, saying it was too risky and would ruin their careers."

"But one person bravely joined—someone very special in the team, Dr. Isabelle Rivière. She gave up her own research to join my New York team from MIT. Back then, everyone said it wouldn't work—'the idea is brilliant, but impossible.' Yet she developed the therapy protocol that was submitted to and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, enabling clinical trials to proceed. I am deeply grateful for her efforts and for building an excellent collaborative team that made everything possible."

With a humorous smile, he added, "I married this dream research partner. You can imagine how much of our lives we've devoted to research. I must also thank our children, because we couldn't spend as much time with them as other parents. To some extent, I feel regret. I know being a researcher-parent means paying a price—working seven days a week in the lab—but I believe they'll understand when they grow up."

There are many people to thank for receiving the Tang Prize. He continued, "I also thank those who supported my research projects—few in number, but crucial. One of them was Tom Kelly. When some colleagues said the project would never succeed and couldn't continue, a few said, 'Wait, give him a chance. Let him keep going.' I am deeply grateful for their support at that time."

Since its establishment, the Tang Prize has recognized researchers whose work has transformed human life and improved quality of life. Several laureates have subsequently won Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine and Chemistry, earning the Tang Prize a reputation as a predictor of the Nobel.

Sadelain said the Tang Prize is highly discerning. "I don't know the committee members, but looking at the impressive record of past awards, it's clear they have the ability to identify the most impactful research. That's why the Tang Prize is respected and renowned worldwide."

From Taiwan to countries around the world, many leukemia and lymphoma patients have extended their lives, improved their quality of life, and pursued their dreams through CAR-T therapy. Sadelain hopes the cost can continue to decrease so more patients can access treatment earlier.

"There's no story more rewarding than hearing that patients who might have lost their lives to disease are still alive. Learning more stories from patients around the world is truly wonderful. That is the most powerful encouragement," (edited by Wei Shu) 1150616