Napoleone Ferrara Honored for VEGF Discovery with 2026 Yergin Prize…

Event summary

Napoleone Ferrara, MD, receives the 2026 Yergin Family International Prize for Biomedical Research for his discovery of VEGF.
The prize includes a $50,000 award and a lecture at Mount Sinai on November 18, 2026.
Ferrara's work led to the development of anti-VEGF therapies, transforming cancer and eye disease treatments.
The prize was renamed this year in honor of Maria I. New, MD, a former Mount Sinai pediatric endocrinologist.

The big picture

The award highlights the transformative impact of fundamental biomedical research on clinical outcomes, particularly in cancer and eye disease treatments. Ferrara's work exemplifies how basic science discoveries can lead to groundbreaking therapies, reinforcing the value of sustained investment in biomedical research. The Yergin Prize's growing recognition underscores Mount Sinai's commitment to innovation and its role in advancing human health.

What we're watching

Therapeutic Innovation: How Ferrara's ongoing research into longer-lasting treatments for retinal diseases will impact patient care and market dynamics.
Industry Recognition: Whether the Yergin Prize will continue to gain prominence as a key award in biomedical research.
Commercialization: The pace at which Mount Sinai's translational research efforts will yield new commercial therapies.