The 2024 Prix Galien Foundation USA Awards have recognized the most groundbreaking innovations in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical technology, digital health, and rare/orphan disease sectors. These prestigious awards, presented annually by the Galien Foundation, honor the most impactful treatments and solutions that have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) within the past five years.
Best Biotechnology Product: Trastuzumab Deruxtecan
The 2024 Prix Galien USA Award for Best Biotechnology Product was awarded to trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), a monoclonal antibody drug conjugate (ADC) developed by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca. This treatment is engineered to target the HER2 receptor and has significantly advanced the standard of care for oncology patients worldwide. It was developed by Daiichi Sankyo and commercialized in partnership with AstraZeneca. Earlier this year, T-DXd also won the Prix Galien Italy in the same category.
The Prix Galien honors biomedical products that have demonstrated outstanding advancements in human healthcare. The selection process is rigorous, with a committee of renowned scientists and clinicians choosing the most impactful FDA-approved treatments from the past five years. The award was presented to Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca during the ceremony held on November 8 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Mauro Vitali, Head of Oncology Business Division at Daiichi Sankyo Italy, commented: “Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca are thrilled and proud of this global recognition, which demonstrates how deruxtecan technology is transforming oncology care worldwide, especially by redefining the classification and treatment of metastatic breast cancer and expanding treatment options to new patient segments.”
Alessandra Dorigo, Head of Oncology at AstraZeneca Italy, added: “This acknowledgment rewards and motivates our innovative research efforts, focused on improving patient quality of life, and it celebrates the collaboration within the pharmaceutical industry that enables us to bring new and effective therapies to more patients faster.”
Other Award Categories:
Here is a brief overview of the 2024 Prix Galien USA award winners:
- Best Pharmaceutical Product: Paxlovid™ (Pfizer Inc.)
A COVID-19 treatment, combining two antiviral agents, used to reduce the severity of the disease. - Best Biotechnology Product: Enhertu® (Daiichi Sankyo & AstraZeneca)
An innovative antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for HER2-positive breast cancer. - Best Medical Technology: Butterfly iQ3™ (Butterfly Network)
A portable handheld ultrasound device, providing quick and easy diagnostics. - Best Digital Health Solution: Viz HCM™ (Viz.ai)
A software that enhances healthcare decision-making through AI-driven diagnostic tools. - Best Incubator/Accelerator/Equity: TMC Innovation
A Houston-based platform that helps startups in the healthcare and biotech fields. - Best Startup: Pentavere
A company focused on precision health using AI to monitor and predict health outcomes. - Best Product for Rare/Orphan Diseases: Kimmtrak (Immunocore)
A treatment for uveal melanoma, an uncommon cancer of the eye.
For further information, please refer to the official Prix Galien USA page.
The Prix Galien Foundation, established 50 years ago by pharmacist Roland Mehl, honors achievements in improving human health through innovative therapies. It is regarded as the biopharmaceutical equivalent of the Nobel Prize. The foundation facilitates innovation roundtables, patient advocacy collaborations, and the Galien Young Leadership Series to foster progress in medical science and development. It oversees the Prix Galien award, which recognizes global advancements in life sciences, and engages stakeholders across research, public policy, and finance to drive meaningful health solutions.