IUPAC-Richter Prize in Medicinal Chemistry

Craig M. Crews awardee of the 2024 IUPAC-Richter Prize

Craig M. Crews is Professor of MCDB and Professor of Chemistry and Pharmacology at Yale University. His discovery and implementation of the PROTACs technology revolutionized the field by identifying a new method for affecting protein function. The fact that this technology has been widely adapted and investigated not only within the pharmaceutical industry, but also in academia, demonstrates the significance and impact of this work. While no drugs have yet been approved, several are in development and these molecules are progressing, because they are effective and safe. He also played a key role in the discovery of carfilzomib, an approved proteasome inhibitor for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

The acceptance lecture will be held in Rome, Italy (Sept. 1-5, 2024) at the XXVIII EFMC International Symposium on Medicinal Chemistry.

This year marks the tenth occasion of the IUPAC-Richter Prize, which was established in 2005 by the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) and Richter PLC. Awarded biannually, the awardee is announced by the IUPAC following nominations and the decision of an independent international Selection Committee.

The awardee receives $10 000, which is sponsored by Richter PLC,  and a plaque, which is presented by IUPAC.

The previous awardees were :

  • 2006 : Malcolm FG Stevens (UK)
  • 2008: Jan Heeres (Belgium)
  • 2010 : Arun Ghosh (USA)
  • 2012 : Stephen Hanessian (Canada)
  • 2014 : Helmut Buschmann (Germany)
  • 2016 : Michael Sofia (USA)
  • 2018 : Peter Grootenhuis (USA)
  • 2020: John Macor (USA)
  • 2022: Michael E. Jung (USA)