2008 Millennium Technology Award for Americans

With a new generation of biofuel research works for controlled distribution, chemistry professor Robert Langer, 59, of MIT Institute of Technology (USA), was awarded the 2008 Millennium Prize at the ceremony took place on 11-6.

The controlled drug delivery system was first used in 1986, when Langer and neurosurgeon Henry Brem invented a porous membrane for chemotherapy of brain cancer cells.

This porous membrane is about the size of a coin, can gradually distribute anticancer drugs in the area of ​​the tumor that has been removed and killed the remaining cancer cells. It is also used to treat cardiovascular diseases and other diseases.

Robert Langer, a chemistry professor with a prize of USD 1.2 million (Photo: AFP)

This method shows little side effects on parts other than traditional treatments, so this can be called a smart drug.

Every year more than 100 million people use this drug distribution system and the number of users is increasing.

'Lager's new technologies have saved and improved the lives of millions of patients', judged by the award committee chairman.

The Millennium Technology Award was established in 2002, once every two years to honor outstanding technological innovations, directly improve the quality of human life, and bring human values ​​and encouragement. rate of sustainable economic development.

The award is sponsored by the Finnish Government and some companies. The first award (2004) was awarded to Tim Berners-Lee, who invented the World Wide Web. The 2006 award was given to Shuji Nakamura with the invention of LED technology and blue lasers.

Professor Langer is also a scientist in tissue engineering, including the transplantation of synthetic tissues to replace biological tissue such as artificial skin. In the future, tissue engineering can create a revolution in treating diseases, directly affecting millions of people.