The 2026 Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science was awarded on Tuesday, June 16, to three scientists in the field of cellular immunotherapy: Steven A. Rosenberg, Michel Sadelain, and Carl H. June. They were recognized for their pioneering contributions to the treatment of blood cancers and solid tumors.

Cellular immunotherapy stimulates a patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. According to the Tang Prize organizers, it has proven to be one of the most transformative advances in cancer treatment in recent years.

Tang Prize Selection Committee in Biopharmaceutical Science Chang Wen-chang (張文昌) said that the prize recognizes successful drug development and medical and technological research that lead to clinical treatment breakthroughs. He added that this year’s laureates helped turn the human immune system into a powerful anti-cancer medicine, creating breakthrough treatments for malignant blood diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

The Tang Prize is a series of awards given once every two years for outstanding achievements in the fields of sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, sinology, and rule of law.