Wiesbaden, November 18, 2025 – The inaugural Broermann Medical Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain at a ceremony in the Hessian State Chancellery. The prestigious award, endowed with €1 million, honors the two scientists for their groundbreaking research in developing CAR-T cell therapy for cancer treatment. The event was attended by Minister President Boris Rhein, who praised the award winners for their pioneering achievements in the field of cancer therapy.
The Broermann Medical Innovation Award is one of the most highly endowed medical prizes in the world and was founded by Dr. Bernard große Broermann, the visionary founder of the Asklepios Group. It aims to recognize and honor exceptional medical achievements that shape the healthcare of tomorrow. In the presence of representatives from science, politics, and society, Minister President Rhein presented the award to the two scientists, emphasizing the impact their work has on cancer patients worldwide.
Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger, Chair of the Broermann Award Jury, praised the two scientists for their pioneering work, saying, “Today’s award ceremony marks a milestone for medical science.” He highlighted the transformative impact of their research on cancer treatment, and their dedication and pioneering spirit that embody the essence of medical innovation.
Dr. Michel Sadelain, Director of the Columbia Initiative in Cell Engineering and Therapy (CICET), accepted the award on behalf of himself and his colleague, Dr. Carl June, Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy at the University of Pennsylvania. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and the motivation it brings to continue their research and develop new treatment options for patients with life-threatening diseases.
Titia Olivia große Broermann, shareholder of the Asklepios Kliniken Group, spoke about the award’s significance, saying, “For me, this award is more than recognition of scientific excellence – it is a living legacy of my husband’s vision.” She praised the two laureates for making her husband’s vision a reality and giving hope to countless cancer patients.
Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain were honored for their pioneering role in the genetic engineering of T cells to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. Using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), these modified immune cells can identify cancer cells and eliminate them. CAR-T cell therapies have achieved remarkable success in treating leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, opening an entirely new chapter in cancer therapy.
The Broermann Medical Innovation Award was established in 2024 by Dr. Bernard große Broermann to recognize and honor those whose groundbreaking work improves lives and shapes the future of medicine. Nominations for the 2026 award are now open, and further details on eligibility and selection criteria are available on the award’s official website.
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