The 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine or Physiology for the Discovery of Hepatitis C Virus: A Triumph of Curiosity and Persistence

Hepatology. 2021 Nov;74(5):2813-2823. doi: 10.1002/hep.31830. Epub 2021 Oct 5.

Abstract

The 2020 Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology was awarded to Drs. Harvey Alter, Michael Houghton, and Charles Rice for their contributions to the discovery and characterization of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Their achievements represent a remarkable triumph of biomedical science which allowed the development of curative therapy for HCV, that will save countless lives. This tribute provides a historical perspective of the laureates' seminal work leading to the discovery of the HCV and a synopsis of a forum hosted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases to honor the laureates in which they offered their perspectives, advice for young investigators and what's left to accomplish in the field. Finally, others in the research community who have worked closely with one or more of the laureates, share some of their personal reflections and anecdotes.

Publication types

  • Historical Article
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Hepacivirus / pathogenicity*
  • Hepatitis C / virology*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Nobel Prize*

Personal name as subject

  • Harvey Alter
  • Michael Houghton
  • Charles Rice