Craig M. Crews has been awarded the 2024 IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry. Crews is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Yale University. His discovery and implementation of the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology for removing specific unwanted proteins revolutionized the field by identifying a new method for affecting protein function. The fact that this technology has been widely adapted and investigated not only within the pharmaceutical industry, but also in academia, demonstrates the significance and impact of this work. While no drugs have yet been approved, several are in development and these molecules are progressing, because they are effective and safe. He also played a key role in the discovery of carfilzomib, an approved proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma. The acceptance lecture will be held in Rome, Italy (Sept. 1-5, 2024) at the XXVIII EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry.
This year marks the tenth occasion of the IUPAC-Richter Prize, which was established in 2005 by IUPAC and Richter PLC. Awarded biannually, the awardee is announced by the IUPAC, following nominations and the decision of an independent international selection committee. The lecture in which the prize is awarded occurs alternatively in Europe and in the United States. The awardee receives a prize of US$10.000, which is sponsored by Richter PLC, and a plaque, presented by IUPAC.
The previous awardees are: 2006: Malcolm FG Stevens (UK), 2008: Jan Heeres (Belgium), 2010: Arun Ghosh (USA), 2012: Stephen Hanessian (Canada), 2014 : Helmut Buschmann (Germany), 2016: Michael Sofia (USA), 2018: Peter Grotenhuis (USA), 2020: John Macor (USA), 2022: Michael E. Jung (USA).
Release published in Chem Int Apr 2024, p. 26
Link to originating Call for Nominations