It is currently estimated that over 300,000 infants are born each year with an inherited disorder of hemoglobin, either thalassemia or sickle cell anemia. One of the award recipients will cover the reasons for this increasing disease burden, the genetic and environmental basis for the remarkable clinical diversity of these conditions and, in particular, the problems that they are posing for blood transfusion services in developing countries. The other awardee will describe the development of DNA testing for prenatal diagnosis of the hemoglobinopathies, the effect on the diseases, and the ongoing investigations in stem cell therapy and possible application to other diseases.

Award Description: This award was created in 1954 to honor Karl Landsteiner, MD, whose lifetime research laid the foundation for modern blood transfusion therapy. The award recognizes a scientist whose original research resulted in an important contribution to the body of scientific knowledge.

David Weatherall did not give consent to be recorded or making presentation available