US biomedical researcher receives international award for work in CF
Iowa scientist awarded Yergin-New Prize led development of pig model
A University of Iowa biomedical researcher was awarded the Yergin-New International Prize for his work in understanding cystic fibrosis (CF) — with discoveries that helped reveal the mechanisms underlying the genetic condition, and led to the development of a new animal model of CF that captures key features of the disease in humans.
In announcing this year’s prize to Michael J. Welsh, MD, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York noted that the scientist’s work has supported the development of therapies that have improved the lives of most CF patients.
The award, previously called the Maria I. New International Prize for Biomedical Research, is given to medical innovators like the late Maria I. New, MD, a researcher in pediatric genetic conditions. It’s given annually to biomedical researchers for scientific achievements that have led, or may lead to, new ways to prevent and treat disease.
“As the 2025 prize recipient, Dr. Welsh embodies the same qualities and dedication that Dr. New exemplified in her research,” Lisa Satlin, MD, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and pediatrician-in-chief of Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, said in a press release. The prize comes with a $50,000 award.
“We believe [Dr. Welsh] will inspire a new generation of biomedical researchers just as Dr. New did over the course of her career,” Satlin said.
After the CFTR gene was discovered to be associated with CF, Welsh’s team showed that it provides instructions for a chloride channel protein that plays a key part in controlling the flow of salt and water in and out of cells. His work helped unravel mechanisms by which CFTR mutations disrupt chloride channel function, thus explaining the thick, sticky mucus that undermines lung function in people with CF.
From there, he came up with a system that classifies mutations that has served as a key basis to develop new therapies.
His lab also showed that the function of the chloride channel carrying the most common CF-causing mutation, called F508del, could be restored by reducing a cell’s incubation temperature.
Work of biomedical researcher said to benefit ‘millions of patients’
All together, these findings and his donation of CF cell lines to pharmaceutical companies and academic labs have supported the development of new therapies that have improved the lives of nearly 90% of CF patients, per Mount Sinai.
“Michael Welsh’s research has been monumental both in advancing understanding of the genetic drivers of this disease and in accelerating the development of new life-saving treatments for people with CF,” said Mone Zaidi, MD, PhD, director of Mount Sinai’s Center for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, and a professor of clinical medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine.
Building on these achievements, Welsh led the development of a pig (porcine) model of CF that captures key features of human CF, including lung disease. Potential therapies discovered using this model are currently undergoing clinical trials.
Daniel Yergin, PhD, an economic historian who endows the prize along with his wife Angela Stent, PhD, a foreign policy expert, said “biomedical research like that being conducted by Michael Welsh has the potential to benefit millions of patients around the world.”
In addition to the $50,000, Welsh will deliver the Maria I. New Distinguished Lecture during a ceremony at Mount Sinai.
“He demonstrated the same commitment to advancing medical science as Dr. New did throughout her career, and we are pleased to recognize his achievements and great contribution with this award,” said Yergin, also a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
Michael Welsh’s research has been monumental both in advancing understanding of the genetic drivers of this disease and in accelerating the development of new life-saving treatments for people with CF.
Welsh is continuing his work to further understand the mechanisms underlying CF and to find additional therapeutic targets. He also demonstrated the feasibility of gene therapy as a CF treatment approach and is addressing the barriers to ensure its safety and effectiveness for patients.
“We are honored to host this annual biomedical research award at Mount Sinai, which recognizes Dr. New, who was one of our longest-serving faculty members,” said Eric J. Nestler, MD, PhD, executive vice president and chief scientific officer of the Mount Sinai Health System. “Michael Welsh is one of many outstanding physician-scientists who are building on that legacy through their groundbreaking research, and we are delighted to present this award to him.”
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