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“This scientific breakthrough could not have been realized as Hemlibra and delivered to people with hemophilia A around the world without the collaboration and support of healthcare professionals, including those at Nara Medical University, as well as our partners at Roche and Genentech. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have supported this endeavor over many years.
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“Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our proprietary technologies and scientific capabilities while promoting collaboration with diverse partners. Through these efforts, we remain committed to delivering innovative drugs and services to patients around the world.”
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Summary of Award
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Award | Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award For invention of a bispecific antibody that joins blood clotting Factors IX and X, restoring the deficient Factor VIII activity in hemophilia A and preventing the severe bleeding in this hereditary disorder |
Laureates | Dr. Kunihiro Hattori, former Senior Fellow of Chugai Dr. Takehisa Kitazawa, Deputy Head of Research Division, Chugai Dr. Tomoyuki Igawa, Head of Research Division, Chugai |
Achievement Recognized | Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of coagulation Factor VIII. Rather than replacing Factor VIII itself, Hattori and team pursued a novel concept of substituting its function with an antibody. They developed a bispecific antibody that bridges activated Factor IX and Factor X at the appropriate orientation and spatial position on the surface of activated platelets, leading to the creation of ACE910 (later named emicizumab). They also developed ART-Ig, a proprietary antibody-engineering technology that improves expression and purification efficiency for commercial-scale manufacturing. The significance of this work lies in its demonstration of a groundbreaking concept that redefined the capabilities of antibody therapeutics and transformed the treatment paradigm for hemophilia A. Emicizumab provides sustained bleed prevention regardless of the presence or absence of Factor VIII inhibitors (antibodies). Through the convenience of subcutaneous administration and extended dosing intervals, it has helped reduce the treatment burden for people with hemophilia A and their families. |
Award Ceremony | Thursday, September 17, 2026 (EDT) Venue: The Pierre Hotel (New York, NY, USA) Program: Luncheon and acceptance remarks by laureates |
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Remarks from Laureates
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Dr. Kunihiro Hattori
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Contribution: Originated the concept of a bispecific antibody based on expertise in blood coagulation and antibodies, and led the research project
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“I am deeply honored that our collective efforts, together with many researchers and clinicians, dedicated to advancing science for society and for patients, have been recognized through this award. I believe our continuing mission is to ensure that this treatment reaches patients around the world who can benefit from it.”
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Dr. Takehisa Kitazawa:
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Contribution: Led pharmacology and biology research, advancing the discovery of the candidate antibody and the demonstration of factor VIII-mimetic activity
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“It has been a privilege to contribute to the creation of emicizumab through collaboration with numerous healthcare professionals and fellow researchers. I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people with hemophilia A and their families who participated in the clinical studies. I hope this recognition will inspire further innovation, and I remain committed to advancing the next generation of scientific breakthroughs.”
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Dr. Tomoyuki Igawa:
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Contribution: Led the design of emicizumab and the establishment of technologies for the efficient manufacturing of bispecific antibodies
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“The desire to lessen the burden on patients and their families while helping them lead fuller lives has motivated us to overcome many scientific challenges. I am truly honored that the three of us have received such a prestigious award together. We will continue to pursue innovative drugs that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through scientific excellence and creative thinking.”
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About Hemophilia A2,3
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Hemophilia is primarily classified into two types, hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is a bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of a protein called coagulation factor VIII (FVIII), which is essential for normal blood clotting. As a result, people with hemophilia A have difficulty forming blood clots. Hemophilia A can be either congenital, caused by an inherited genetic abnormality, or acquired, which develops later in life. Congenital hemophilia A predominantly affects males and occurs in approximately one in 5,000 male births. Occurrence in females is extremely rare because congenital hemophilia A is an X-linked recessive disorder.
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Symptoms associated with bleeding in hemophilia A vary, but a characteristic feature of the disease is the frequent occurrence of internal bleeding that is not externally visible. Internal bleeding can lead to the formation of hematomas, or localized collections of blood, which may compress surrounding nerves and blood vessels, causing pain and functional impairment. Bleeding commonly occurs in joints such as the elbows, knees, and ankles, as well as in muscles, often resulting in swelling, warmth, and severe pain. In patients with severe hemophilia A, bleeding into joints and muscles can occur even during normal daily activities. Repeated joint bleeding may lead to progressive joint damage, significantly affecting quality of life.
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Since around 2000, prophylactic treatment with regular replacement of the missing factor VIII has become widely adopted. However, this approach requires intravenous infusions as frequently as once to several times per week. In addition, people with hemophilia A who developed an immune response to factor VIII, a non-self protein, resulting in the formation of factor VIII inhibitors, faced significant treatment challenges due to the limited treatment options available to them.
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About the Lasker Foundation
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Established in 1945 by Albert and Mary Lasker. Through its internationally renowned Lasker Awards, educational initiatives, and public advocacy, the Foundation raises awareness of the power of biomedical science to save and improve human lives. Through these efforts, the Foundation advocates for support for biomedical research, with the goal of advancing the prevention and treatment of disease and disability.
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About the Lasker Awards
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Renowned as America’s preeminent biomedical research prize, 360 laureates have received Lasker Medical Research Awards since 1945. Over these years, 101 Lasker Laureates have also received the Nobel Prize, including 28 in the last two decades. The laureates are selected by an international jury chaired by Joseph L. Goldstein, who received both the Lasker Award for Basic Medical Research and the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1985.
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More details on the Lasker Award laureates, the full citations for each award category, video interviews and photos of the awardees, and additional information on the Foundation are available at
English (US)