Katalin

Katalin Karikó is a biochemist who specializes in RNA-mediated mechanisms. She was born in Szolnok, Hungary on January 17, 1955. Karikó is best known for her research on mRNA technology, which has been instrumental in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Karikó was born and raised in Szolnok, Hungary. She attended the University of Szeged where she received her BSc in Biology in 1978 and her PhD in Biochemistry in 1982.

Career[edit | edit source]

In 1985, Karikó moved to the United States to work at the Temple University School of Medicine. She later joined the University of Pennsylvania in 1989, where she focused her research on mRNA. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Karikó persisted in her research, which eventually led to significant breakthroughs in mRNA technology.

Contributions to mRNA technology[edit | edit source]

Karikó's research on mRNA has been pivotal in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. She discovered a method to produce mRNA that the body's immune system would not reject, making it possible to use mRNA as a platform for vaccines. This discovery has been utilized by Pfizer and BioNTech in their COVID-19 vaccines.

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

In recognition of her contributions to science and medicine, Karikó has received numerous awards, including the Rosenstiel Award and the Lasker Award.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

University of Pennsylvania Spotlight: Katalin Karikó

Katalin Resources
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