The 46th session of the prestigious King Faisal Prize in Medicine and Science has recognized the groundbreaking contributions of Professor Jerry Mendell and Professor Howard Chang, among other luminaries, for their transformative work in gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases and revolutionary RNA discoveries.

Professor Jerry Mendell, the Director of the Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, was announced as the laureate in the field of Medicine for his pivotal role in advancing the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. His gene therapy breakthroughs have significantly impacted conditions such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies.

Mendell's groundbreaking work in SMA, a once-debilitating disease responsible for infant mortality, has led to the development of a gene therapy treatment that delivers the essential survival motor neuron gene (SMN1) to patients, enabling unprecedented improvements in motor functions. His efforts also extend to DMD, where a novel gene therapy, co-invented with Professor Louise Rodino-Klapac, received FDA approval in 2023 for pediatric patients aged 4-5 years. Furthermore, Mendell's involvement in clinical trials for limb-girdle muscular dystrophy has shown promising results in repairing muscle fibers and enhancing muscle function.

In the field of Science, Professor Howard Chang, a physician-scientist and Professor of Dermatology and Genetics at Stanford University, received the King Faisal Prize for his revolutionary discoveries in the realm of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their profound impact on gene regulation and function. His research, which includes mapping the chromatin landscape and discovering the role of lncRNAs in DNA accessibility, has advanced our understanding of molecular biology and genetics.

Chang's work has far-reaching implications, unraveling mechanisms and targets in various human diseases, particularly cancer, immunity, and development. His innovative techniques, such as the Assay of Transposase Accessible Chromatin, have led to significant improvements in mapping regulatory DNA in human cells.

Alongside Medicine and Science, the King Faisal Prize also recognized Professor Wael Hallaq for his contributions to Islamic Studies, focusing on "Islamic Legislations and their Contemporary Applications." The Service to Islam Prize was awarded to the Japan Muslim Association and Dr. Mohammad Sammak for their exemplary leadership roles in serving Islam, Muslims, and humanity at large.

The King Faisal Prize, awarded since 1979, continues to honor distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions to various sciences and causes. Each laureate is bestowed with a USD 200 thousand prize, a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate's name and a summary of their work. The names of the 2024 laureates were announced by HRH Prince Turki Alfaisal and the Prize's Secretary General Dr. Abdulaziz Alsebail in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.