Johnson & Johnson Honors Dr. Axel Ullrich

Each year, Johnson & Johnson hands out the Dr. Paul Janssen Award to salute the most creative and passionate scientists who have had a hand in improving human health. This year, Johnson & Johnson gave the 2009 Dr. Paul Janssen Award to Dr. Axel Ullrich.

Dr. Ullrich, a native of Germany, is known for his many advancements including a personalized medicine therapy that fights a certain type of breast cancer and recombinant insulin for combating diabetes.

Said Harlan Weisman of Johnson & Johnson: “Dr. Ullrich’s pioneering research translated genomics-based discoveries into new treatments that improve the lives of millions of patients. The 2009 Award recognizes his commitment to advancing translational research, an approach that embodies the spirit of Dr. Paul Janssen, who himself pioneered the development of more than 80 different medicines.”

For winning the 2009 Dr. Paul Janssen Award, Dr. Ullrich received a prize of $100,000. Currently, he works at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry as the director for the molecular biology department.

Said Dr. Ullrich: “It is an honor to be recognized with an award of this stature. Dr. Paul was a highly respected scientist whose work continues to extend and improve the lives of people all over the world. I am truly humbled to be selected as the recipient of an award whose namesake carries on his tremendous legacy.”

Image: Flickr