Gerhard Krönke awarded Novartis Prize for immunological research with therapeutic relevance
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Krönke, Director of the Department of Medicine for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and Head of the Liaison Group at the German Rheumatology Research Center Berlin (DRFZ), was awarded the Novartis Prize for immunological research with therapeutic relevance at the annual meeting of the German Society for Immunology (DGfI), on September 15, 2026.
The physician received the award for his groundbreaking work in translating basic immunological research into innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. Of significance is his pivotal role in the development and clinical application of CD19-targeted CAR-T cell therapies, as well as the use of bispecific antibodies. Both approaches aim to selectively eliminate misdirected B cells, thereby enabling a lasting immunological “reset” that can lead to long-term, mostly treatment-free remission. In addition, the award recognizes his research into deciphering a new anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of glucocorticoids and its significance for the development of new drugs.
Novartis Prize for Immunological Research with Therapeutic Relevance
The DGfI, in collaboration with the Novartis Foundation for Therapeutic Research, awards the Novartis Prize for Immunological Research with Therapeutic Relevance annually. The prize, endowed with 10,000 euros, recognizes work that bridges the gap between immunological and clinical research. The prize money may be used exclusively for research purposes.
News about publications by Gerhard Krönke
Photo: Novartis-Awardee Gerhard Krönke (l.) with DGfI-President Hansjörg Schild (Mi.) and Laudator Jürgen Ruland (r.)
