Reflections on the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2015--The Public Health Legacy and Impact of Avermectin and Artemisinin

Abstract

The award of the Nobel Prize to Dr Bill Campbell and Professor Satoshi Ōmura for their role in the discovery of avermectin and Professor Youyou Tu for her work on the development of artemisinin has been universally welcomed by the International Health community for what the Nobel Committee described as 'The discoveries of Avermectin and Artemisinin have revolutionized therapy for patients suffering from devastating parasitic diseases. Campbell, Ōmura and Tu have transformed the treatment of parasitic diseases. The global impact of their discoveries and the resulting benefit to mankind are immeasurable'.