October 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, October 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2021
The 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to George D. Snell for his scientific discovery that directly led to saving lives through organ transplantation. Snell - known as the Father of Immunogenetics, won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the major histocompatibility complex, or MHC, the genetic foundation of a body's immunological response to tissue and organ transplants, determining whether an organ is accepted by the body or rejected as a foreign invader. Prior to Snell's work, organ transplantation was entirely dependent on chance as to whether a genetic match would allow an organ to be accepted; afterwards, the only impediment was the availability of organs. Nearly 150,000 organ transplants are now performed each year, with millions of lives over the course of 40 years saved as a result.
As the Father of Immunogenetics, Snell's work also laid the groundwork for research into genetic-based immunological responses to other diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disease, as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and lupus, with the goal towards developing new and effective clinical therapies. Snell's Nobel-Prize winning research was performed at the Jackson Laboratory (JAX) in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he's remembered by Professor Derry Roopenian as being "more interested in encouraging young scientists than in accolades of his own monumental achievements."
Nobel Prize is made of 18kt gold, plated in 24kt gold, consistent with the 1980 medals. Medal features the relief portrait of Alfred Nobel to front, with his name and the years of his birth and death. Verso features a relief of a woman representing the Genius of Medicine, holding a book in her lap, as she collects water to nourish a girl. Encircling the medal are the words ''INVENTAS VITAM JUVAT EXCOLUISSE PER ARTES", which translates from Latin to "The benefits of improved life through discovered arts". Snell's name and 1980 in Roman numerals are engraved on a plaque framed by the words "REG UNIVERSITAS MED-CHIR CAROL", representing the Karolinska Institute that awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Etched upon the medal is the name of Erik Lindberg, designer of the Nobel medal. Medal weighs 173 grams or just over 6 oz. and measures 2.5'' in diameter. Presented in fine condition. With an LOA from George Snell's son.
Nobel Prize Awarded to The Father of Immunogenetics, George Snell in 1980 -- Snell's Work Led Directly to Successful Human Organ Transplants
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