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After high school, at 17, his father advised him to become an accountant. But he, although he did not know what to choose in college, was not convinced. So for a week he went every day to a library in London, his hometown, for inspiration. He visited all the sections until some books led him to make up his mind: they were writings on microbiology signed by Louis Pasteur. He matriculated in Life Sciences at the University of East Anglia in Norwich in England. He had not graduated from high school with very high marks or obtained a degree in biology. A beginning that, on paper, was all uphill. Today Michael Houghton, 71, is the Nobel Prize for Medicine 2020 with Harvey J. Alter, American born in 1935 and Charles M. Rice, also American born in 1952. The three discovered the microorganism that is at the base of one of the most widespread epidemics in the world: Hepatitis C. Thank you For your studies we have effective tests and medicines that can give hope for the eradication of a disease that kills 400 thousand people every year in the world. And it is one of the most common causes of cancer and liver transplantation. Michael Houghton, having worked in laboratories in the UK and California, is Professor of Virology at the University of Alberta in Canada. Current goal of your group: the vaccine against hepatitis C. And for a few months also against COVID-19.
Professor, the American multinational Pfizer has announced that it is ready with a 90% working anti-coronavirus vaccine. What you think?
“This is excellent news. It is also good for morale. It is very impressive to know that your RNA vaccine is 90% effective. But some questions remain.
What questions do you mean?
“They only followed the people who got the vaccine for two months. They have to monitor them for a long time to understand if the protection will last. It will also be necessary to understand whether older people are covered or need a reminder.
For forty years he has been researching hepatitis C and is one step away from the vaccine. In 2004 he developed the antidote against the Sars-CoV-1 virus, now he has decided to commit himself against Covid-19 as well. The prospects?
“The 2004 one that was supposed to fight the Sars-CoV-1 coronavirus was never necessary because the infection disappeared. For this reason, we too have focused our efforts on a new vaccine. It could be ready next spring.
What is your idea of this virus?
“Like everyone else, he can only be defeated with the vaccine. History also teaches us this. We now have fantastic technology that allows us to work quickly. ‘
And the drugs?
‘They are intended for those who get sick, of course. But a true disappearance of the virus will only be with the vaccine. Given the speed with which we are working, it will be necessary to adjust it, but it is our only weapon.
He said that perhaps the vaccines to be developed against Covid-19 may need to be modified later. What does that mean?
“Now we have very advanced technologies, when I started they couldn’t even imagine. In this case, the times, for everyone, were very short between the moment the virus was identified and the availability of the vaccine, which we hope will be as soon as possible. As soon as the administration begins, we will have to evaluate some additional parameters.
which one do you mean?
“The immunization power needs to be tested further and, above all, how long it can last.”
Do you think that research, like health planning in different countries, will change course after this pandemic?
“It seems clear to me that all governments have realized the emergency. But we must be aware, in turn, that other epidemics await us. And we must be really prepared.
A scary prediction.
“We must be prepared for the next pandemic that could be as dangerous as Covid-19. It amazes me, as a virologist, that not everyone immediately understood the importance of protection. Even just with a mask.
Are you convinced that there will be a change of course in the laboratories, in the halls of politicians who decide on public health as well as in our lives, which are already undermined by contagion?
“I believe that Covid-19, as terrible as it is, has created a paradigm for the development of new vaccines. It also showed us that when there is interest, we can all work together quickly. In addition to researchers, this time all governments believed in it.
Professor, do you think it is a mere coincidence that, in the year of the pandemic, the Nobel Prize went to three “virus hunters”?
“I hope it is not just a coincidence. Rather, I hope that this award and the dramatic situation created by Covid-19 will make us understand the importance of virology. As we can see, a pandemic can affect us all, even the strongest. From now on, we must be prepared to respond to new emergencies. And we can only be so if the work of immunologists, virologists and infectious diseases is adequately funded.
In this case, the value of their long work has been recognized. Satisfied?
“At this point our work is in a group and the Nobel Prize should also be in a group. It should be extended to more than three winners. Instead, they continue to shape recognition in the individual, or at least a small number of people. Of course, Nobel set the rules but … ».
Go on, professor.
«Today we work joining forces. I was in charge of a project but the groups that worked on it are all high-level. An atom is made up of electrons that move around a nucleus. So are research teams. And the recognition of success must be extended to all.
Does it mean that the Nobel is a recognition that no longer reflects the reality of current research?
“I was very happy when a colleague woke me up at three in the morning to tell me: I haven’t slept anymore. However, I confess that, for a moment, I thought I would say “no thanks” and refuse. But I immediately realized that they would only consider me very presumptuous. ”
Last updated: 11:05
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