Novo Nordisk Prize 2024 honours pioneers of genome sequencing

Prof Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, together with his co-inventor Prof Sir David Klenerman, have been awarded the 2024 Novo Nordisk Prize.

The Novo Nordisk Prize recognises scientists who have provided outstanding international contributions to advance medical science to benefit people’s lives. The prize is awarded annually by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and is intended to further support biomedical research in Europe.

Understanding the genetic basis for what makes us all unique, including disease-related aspects, requires sequencing of not just one, but many, human genomes.

Professors Sir David Klenerman and Sir Shankar Balasubramanian co-invented a technology that has revolutionised our fundamental understanding of life by enabling fast, accurate, large-scale genome sequencing.

In 2000, one human genome took over 10 years to sequence at a cost of more than 1 billion dollars. Their new technology means that a human genome can be sequenced in just one hour and for less than USD 1,000, meaning millions are sequenced each year. The technology, now known as Solexa-Illumina Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS), transformed the understanding of cancer by enabling targeted treatments through the identification of key genetic mutations.

It has also revolutionised the diagnosis of rare genetic diseases by significantly reducing the time to diagnosis, facilitating rapid, targeted interventions. NGS played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding in the tracking of the virus’s spread and the evolution of variants.

Professor Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, said: “The achievements of Sir David Klenerman and Sir Shankar Balasubramanian represent breakthrough innovations in science. Their work has enabled a new phase in personalized medicine, significantly improving our ability to diagnose and manage many diseases. Their technology for rapid and affordable genome sequencing unlocks scientific advancements critical for our future, and it exemplifies how forward-thinking research can help solve urgent global challenges. The Novo Nordisk Foundation is proud to recognize their monumental contributions, which are consistent with our commitment to supporting scientific innovation that enhances human health.”

Jørgen Frøkiær, Chair of the Novo Nordisk Prize Committee, said: “The groundbreaking technology created by Sir David, Sir Shankar and their team is set to drive major progress in disease detection and therapy in the coming decades. However, the medical community is already leveraging this innovation. Remarkably, cancer cells shed part of their DNA into the bloodstream. By collecting and analysing this free-floating DNA, we unlock a powerful method for early cancer detection, significantly improving patient survival rates and providing effective treatment.”

The 2024 Novo Nordisk Prize will be awarded at a prize ceremony in Bagsværd, Denmark on 19 April.