Dr. Michael J. Welsh, a University of Iowa professor and Iowa native, has received the 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his groundbreaking cystic fibrosis research that led to life-saving therapies.
The Lasker Awards, often called “America’s Nobels,” recognize fundamental biological discoveries and clinical advances that improve human health, according to a news release.
Dr. Welsh shares the award with Jesús González, formerly of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, and Paul A. Negulescu of Vertex Pharmaceuticals for their roles in developing a triple-drug combination treatment for cystic fibrosis.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this award, but for me it is truly a celebration of our entire scientific enterprise,” Dr. Welsh said in a statement. “I set out hoping to have an impact and help people with CF. Where we are now exceeds my hopes.”
The impact of these therapies has dramatically changed patient outcomes. Patients born between 1999 and 2003, before the treatments existed, had an average life span in their mid-30s. Babies born today may live into their 80s. Approximately 90% of cystic fibrosis patients are now candidates for these therapies.
Dr. Welsh noted that work remains unfinished. “There are still around 10% of people with CF who can’t benefit from these treatments. We need to continue our work to find solutions that help those people,” he said.
Dr. Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and dean of the UI Carver College of Medicine, praised Dr. Welsh’s achievement in a statement.
“Mike Welsh’s work exemplifies how fundamental science – driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose – can lead to transformative innovations and therapies,” Dr. Jamieson said.
Dr. Welsh earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from UI and completed his residency there. He joined the UI Department of Internal Medicine faculty in 1981. Currently, he serves as the Roy J. Carver Professor of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and directs the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute.
His previous honors include the Warren Alpert Foundation Prize, the Shaw Prize in Life Sciences & Medicine, and the Canada Gairdner International Award. He belongs to the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences.
The awards, established in 1945 by Albert and Mary Lasker, carry a $250,000 honorarium. The presentation ceremony will occur Sept. 19, 2025, in New York City.
