Many now know the story of Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, the Turkish-German power couple behind the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine. The married duo serve as CEO and CMO (Chief Medical Officer) of the company, respectively.
Though their research primarily focused on cancer, they quickly switched gears at the onset of the pandemic. By December, they had the first Covid-19 vaccine approved by the FDA for emergency use. So it comes as little surprise that the world has taken notice of the modest couple.
Global awards for Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci
In March, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier presented the Knight Commander’s Cross of the Federal Order of Merit to the scientists. This is one of Germany’s highest civilian honors. The same month, they were awarded the 2021 Axel Springer award.
While the awards keep trickling in, the couple has remained humble. In fact, in an interview with German publication DW, Şahin gave the credit to their “team of international scientists and staff from 60 different countries who have been working with us for years on [mRNA research].”
Even so, the global appreciation of the Drs. Şahin and Türeci has not slowed. They have also accepted Turkey’s 25th Aydın Doğan Award, and Spain’s Princess of Asturias award.
Biontech research ramps up
Though many say the pandemic is winding down, Biontech has not paused their pace of research. The couple knows too well how new strains of the virus could devastate the world again, and continue to hone the vaccine development process.
Currently, Biontech also has an mRNA cancer vaccine in Phase II testing. “Our vision is to harness the power of the immune system against cancer and infectious diseases. We were able to demonstrate the potential of mRNA vaccines in addressing COVID-19. We must not forget, that cancer is also a global health threat, even worse than the current pandemic,“ said Türeci.
Learn more about Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci here:
Ugur Sahin and Oezlem Tuereci: The Turkish-German couple behind the BioNTech coronavirus vaccine
