Janet Davison Rowley, the Blum-Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology, and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago, has been selected to receive the Japan Prize for Healthcare and Medical Technology. She will be honored for “significant contributions to society by achieving momentus scientific and technological breakthroughs in creating and promoting new technologies for medical diagnosis and treatment.” Specifically, Dr. Rowley was honored for her work in the development of the anti-cancer drug, Gleevac. The drug has become highly effective in the treatment of leukemia and has few side effects.
Dr. Rowley will receive a cash prize of 50 million Japanese yen, equal to about $215,000. The prize will be award at a ceremony in Japan in April which will be attended by the Emperor and Empress of Japan.
Professor Rowley, now 86 years old, continues to direct an active research laboratory at the University of Chicago. She entered the University of Chicago at age 15 and graduated from its medical school at the age of 23.