Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Prestigious Prize -- 'The American Nobels' -- Awarded To Planned Parenthood, Developers Of HPV Vaccine
The New York Times: Lasker Prizes Go To Planned Parenthood And Developers Of HPV Vaccine
One of the nation’s most prestigious prizes in medicine will go to Planned Parenthood and two scientists who played a crucial role in developing the vaccine to combat HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer. A third honor will go to a Swiss molecular biologist, who made a groundbreaking discovery about cell growth. The Lasker Awards, sometimes called the “American Nobels” because 85 of the awardees have gone on to win the international honor, were announced by the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation Wednesday. Each prize comes with $250,000. (Murphy, 9/6)
The Washington Post: HPV Researchers, Planned Parenthood Win Prestigious Lasker Medical Awards
In announcing the awards, sometimes referred to as “America’s Nobels,” the foundation lauded the recipients’ efforts to protect and enhance women’s health. Its praise of Planned Parenthood seemed designed to counter attacks on the nonprofit by President Trump and top congressional Republicans, who want to end all federal funding to the organization. Planned Parenthood, the nation’s biggest abortion provider, already is barred from using federal dollars for abortions. The foundation also honored Michael N. Hall, a molecular biologist at the Biozentrum University of Basel, for discoveries involving the role of proteins called TOR in controlling cell growth. It said his discoveries “have broadened our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms that underlie growth, development and aging.” (McGinley, 9/6)
The Wall Street Journal: Two U.S. Government Researchers Honored With 2017 Lasker Award
“Many women have nowhere other than Planned Parenthood to turn for basic medical services. Its highly trained clinicians and counselors provide essential, low-cost care,” the Lasker foundation said. Planned Parenthood said it has led the effort to expand and protect reproductive health and rights in the U.S., and it was honored to receive the Lasker award. (Loftus, 9/6)
Los Angeles Times: Lasker Awards Honor Planned Parenthood And Research On Preventing And Fighting Cancer
The Lasker Awards, announced Wednesday, are given annually to recognize advancements in the prevention and treatment of disease. Each award carries an honorarium of $250,000. Dozens of past winners have gone on to win the Nobel Prize. (Healy, 9/6)
