Professor Pieter Cullis wins the 2025 Scheele Award

The Swedish Pharmaceutical Society is proud to announce the 2025 Scheele laureate. Pieter Cullis, Professor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Colombia, Vancouver Canada, is recognized for groundbreaking drug delivery systems.

The Scheele Award is presented to highlight outstanding researchers whose work has contributed to improving human health and quality of life. This year’s laureate is particularly acknowledged for his research on Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs), which have a wide range of applicable areas within drug development.

─ It is a tremendous honor to receive the Scheele Award. Previous winners are global leaders in the world of pharmaceutical science, it is amazing to be in their company. The work leading to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and other gene therapies reflects the efforts of many collaborators that I have been lucky to work with over the years and I accept the award on their behalf, says Professor Cullis.

A new type of Lipid Nanoparticles

LNPs are small spherical particles composed of lipids with a wide range of applicable areas within drug development. Professor Cullis and co-workers introduced a new type of LNPs based on ionizable lipids, which significantly minimizes unwanted side effects, paving the way for the development and delivering of nucleic acid-based drugs. Covid vaccines and several other approved drugs are based on the LNP technology.

─ We are very happy to announce the 52: nd Scheele laureate. This truly combines our aim to unite tradition and innovation, says Lena Ring, CEO at the Swedish Pharmaceutical Society.

The award will be presented at a ceremony in Stockholm on November 13th where Professor Cullis will give a lecture on his work. The event will bring together leading experts and stakeholders from around the world to celebrate advancements in science.

Professor Cullis is rewarded for:

Professor Cullis is a pioneer in the design, development and optimization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for drug delivery. This fundamental research has enabled the translation of mRNA therapy from a theoretical concept into one of the most effective and scalable medical interventions in modern history. Professor Cullis’ innovations have dramatically enhanced the stability, efficiency, and targeting of mRNA and other nucleic acid-based drugs, contributing to the rapid deployment of mRNA-based vaccines during the global pandemic. Besides vaccines and gene therapy, the LNP technology has also been applied in anticancer medicines. His work continues to influence and inspire ongoing research in nanomedicine, with profound implications for current and future therapies ranging from small molecules to new modalities.

About the Scheele Award

The Scheele Award was established by the Swedish Pharmaceutical Society to honor Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele and his pioneering work. The award is presented biennially to researchers who have made significant advances in pharmaceutical research and related fields.