Wiesbaden, November 18, 2025 – In a prestigious ceremony at the Hessian State Chancellery, the inaugural Broermann Medical Innovation Award was presented to Dr. Carl June of the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Michel Sadelain of Columbia University. The award, founded by Dr. Bernard große Broermann, founder of the Asklepios Group, recognizes the pioneering achievements of the two scientists in developing CAR-T cell therapy for the treatment of cancer. The ceremony was held in the presence of numerous representatives from science, politics, and society, including Minister President Boris Rhein who presented the award to the two laureates.
The Broermann Award, with a €1 million endowment, is among the world’s most highly endowed medical prizes. “With the Broermann Medical Innovation Award, we want to make outstanding medical achievements visible – and honor those who, with courage, vision, and humanity, are shaping the medicine of tomorrow,” said Titia große Broermann, a shareholder of the Asklepios Kliniken Group.
In his speech, Minister President Rhein praised the work of the award winners and their contribution to the treatment of cancer patients worldwide. “With their work, Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain demonstrate the immense power that knowledge and passion can unleash. They have the potential to positively impact countless lives,” he said. The head of government presented the Broermann Prize, worth a total of one million euros, praising their “groundbreaking work” and emphasizing that “Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain show that knowledge can change lives and give people new hope for healing.” Minister President Rhein also highlighted the inspiring role models of the two laureates, stating that their dedication and pioneering spirit have opened a new chapter in cancer therapy.
Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger, Chair of the Broermann Award Jury, hailed the award ceremony as a milestone for medical science. “Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain have fundamentally transformed cancer treatment through their work on CAR-T cell therapy. Their dedication and pioneering spirit embody the very essence of medical innovation that this award celebrates,” he said.
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 validation it brings to their decades of work on CAR-T cell therapy. He also emphasized the inspiration to continue advancing research and developing new treatment options for patients with life-threatening diseases. “It is a tremendous motivation for our teams and a resolute dedication to bringing better therapies for patients worldwide,” he said.
Titia Olivia große Broermann added, “For me, this award is more than recognition of scientific excellence – it is a living legacy of my husband’s vision.” She expressed her deep gratitude and respect for the groundbreaking research of Dr. Carl June and Dr. Michel Sadelain, which has given countless cancer patients new hope and, in many cases, a new life.
Dr. Carl June (born 1950, Denver, USA) and Dr. Michel Sadelain (born 1960, Paris, France) 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, founder of the Asklepios Kliniken Group. The award continues his legacy, honoring those whose groundbreaking work improves lives and shapes the future of medicine.
Nominations for the 2026 Broermann Medical Innovation Award are now open until March 1, 2026. Scientists who have made pioneering contributions to medicine, biotechnology, or related disciplines are welcome to apply. Further details on eligibility and selection criteria are available on the award’s official website.
For more information and press materials, please visit www.broermann-award.com.
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