How LLS’s early support fueled breakthrough discoveries that brought CAR T-cell therapy to patients
Rye Brook, N.Y., May 22, 2025 – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is excited to congratulate Drs. Carl June, Michel Sadelain, Bruce Levine and Isabelle Riviere on receiving the Richard N. Merkin Prize in Biomedical Technology for their work on chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cell therapy.
The Merkin Prize recognizes scientists who contribute to pathbreaking technologies that improve human health. These four remarkable scientists were instrumental in seminal research leading to a revolutionary type of immunotherapy that reengineers a patient’s own T-cells to treat their blood cancer. Today, CAR-T cell therapy offers hope and even cures for some patients whose cancer would otherwise be fatal.
LLS is proud to have been an early and long-time funder of CAR-T research, including multiple grants supporting Drs. June and Sadelain. "In the early days, few thought CAR-T would work. Some of our first substantial funding was from LLS,” said Dr. June, “That was really critical. Without the early support from LLS and a few other visionary sponsors, we might not be where we are today with CAR T-cell therapies.”
LLS has been steadfast in its commitment to invest in innovative ideas and cutting-edge research leading to scientific breakthroughs that improve and save the lives of patients. LLS continues to fund research into next generation CAR T therapies, as well as hundreds of other promising research projects that are the cornerstone of its bold goal to enable patients with blood cancer to gain more than one million additional years of life by 2040.
Over more than two decades, LLS has invested more than $100 million in immunotherapy including $50 million in CAR-T. Through our Therapy Acceleration Program – and $2.5M in support to Kite Pharma – we provided critical funding for the clinical development of Yescarta®, the first FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for lymphoma.
“Bringing new treatments to patients is a complex, long process that takes years of dedication, innovation and hard work from amazing scientists like Drs. June, Sadelain, Levine and Riviere,” says Lore Gruenbaum, Ph.D., LLS Chief Scientific Officer. “It is also very much a team approach, so LLS proudly supports the work of researchers all around the world to help solve the complex questions of how to improve treatment for all forms of blood cancer.”
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the global leader and innovator in creating a world without blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. LLS is focused on accelerating research, providing free support and services, and advocating for policies to ensure access to quality, affordable care. For more than 75 years, LLS has been helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives.
Founded in 1949, LLS has regions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
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