Professor Pieter Cullis Awarded 2025 Scheele Prize for Advances in Drug Delivery Technology

The Swedish Pharmaceutical Society has announced Professor Pieter Cullis as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Scheele Award, recognizing his contributions to the development of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technologies that have played a significant role in modern drug delivery systems. Cullis, a professor at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, has been a central figure in transforming scientific concepts into practical medical applications, including vaccines and gene therapies.

The biennial Scheele Award, established to honor individuals whose research enhances human health and quality of life, acknowledges Cullis for his work on LNPs, particularly in the design of ionizable lipid-based nanoparticles. These innovations have enabled more effective drug targeting while reducing adverse effects, offering breakthroughs in the treatment of diseases. His research has had a transformative impact, especially during the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where mRNA vaccines relied on this advanced technology.

In his statement regarding the award, Cullis expressed gratitude to the teams he has collaborated with over the years. "It is a tremendous honor to receive the Scheele Award. Previous winners are global leaders in the world of pharmaceutical science, it is amazing to be in their company. The work leading to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and other gene therapies reflects the efforts of many collaborators that I have been lucky to work with over the years, and I accept the award on their behalf,” he said.

Lipid Nanoparticle Technology: A Pivotal Innovation in Medicine

Lipid nanoparticles, which are tiny spherical structures made from lipids, serve as crucial delivery vehicles for a range of therapeutic molecules, including mRNA-based treatments. Unlike traditional drug delivery methods, LNPs provide controlled and precise targeting, allowing genetic material or drugs to reach specific tissues while minimizing systemic side effects. Cullis and his team introduced ionizable lipids within these nanoparticles, a key development that enhanced the overall safety and effectiveness of therapies such as mRNA vaccines and anticancer medications.

Beyond its use in vaccines, LNP technology is being explored for applications in gene therapy, cancer treatments, and other areas requiring nucleic acid-based drug delivery. Cullis’ innovations continue to inspire ongoing research in nanomedicine, as researchers aim to expand the scope of LNP technology for future therapeutic applications.

Lena Ring, CEO of the Swedish Pharmaceutical Society, emphasized the significance of the award. “We are very happy to announce the 52nd Scheele laureate. This truly combines our aim to unite tradition and innovation,” she stated.

Stockholm Ceremony to Honor the Laureate

The award ceremony will be held on November 13th in Stockholm, where Cullis will deliver a lecture outlining his groundbreaking work and its implications for current and future therapies. The event will gather prominent researchers, pharmaceutical industry leaders, and healthcare stakeholders from across the globe, providing a platform to reflect on advancements in drug delivery systems.

About the Scheele Award

The award, named after Carl Wilhelm Scheele, the renowned Swedish chemist known for his significant contributions to chemistry and medicine, highlights major scientific achievements in pharmaceutical research. Since its establishment, the award has honored scientists whose discoveries have led to innovations improving medical treatments and public health. The selection of Cullis underscores the growing importance of nanotechnology in developing more effective and accessible treatments worldwide.