In a heartwarming and emotional moment, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Drew Weissman called his parents to share the news of his prestigious award. Alongside his colleague, Hungarian-American Katalin Karik??, Weissman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his significant contributions to the development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. The heartwarming call was captured on video and shared by Penn Medicine on Instagram.

In the video, the 64-year-old Nobel laureate excitedly announced, "I have some news!" as he revealed the incredible accomplishment to his parents, Adele, 90, and Hal, 91. Overwhelmed with joy, both parents erupted in ecstatic cries of congratulations. "You're kidding! Congratulations!" exclaimed his father, unable to contain his excitement. Meanwhile, his mother, in utter disbelief, shouted, "Oh my god, Drew! Oh, how fabulous! I don't know what to say, I'm ready to fall on the floor!"

Adele playfully teased her son's pessimism, as he had previously doubted his chances of winning the esteemed prize. "You did it! And so young!" she cheered, expressing her immense pride. This heartwarming exchange highlighted the deep bond between Weissman and his parents, who had always believed in his potential. The reverberating cheers and jubilation captured the pure elation that filled the room during this monumental moment.

Interestingly, when Weissman was just five years old, his parents had visited Stockholm, the city where the Nobel Prize is awarded, and had toured the Nobel auditorium. They had even jokingly reserved two seats for themselves, a story that they fondly reminisced about over the years. Weissman, who initially aspired to be an engineer, shared that his parents' memories of the Nobel auditorium had always been on their minds. Their visit had left an indelible mark, igniting a spark within Weissman to pursue a career in scientific research.

In another video shared on Instagram by Penn Medicine, Weissman expressed his deep appreciation for being conferred with the Nobel Prize, stating that it was the most significant award that a scientist could achieve. Reflecting on their breakthrough, Weissman explained that he and Karik?? had begun investigating mRNA as a potential therapeutic in the late 1990s. Their groundbreaking discovery in 2005 revealed that messenger RNA could be modified and effectively delivered into the body to activate a protective immune response.

Little did they know that their groundbreaking research would prove invaluable when the COVID-19 pandemic struck fifteen years later. The mRNA technology they helped develop enabled the rapid development of highly effective vaccines against the virus. This breakthrough has undoubtedly revolutionized the field of medicine and has played a vital role in combating the global health crisis.

Weissman's journey to this remarkable achievement was not without its challenges. Growing up in Lexington, Massachusetts, he initially aspired to follow in his father's footsteps and become an engineer. However, his passion for biology and his fascination with the intricacies of life led him to change his career trajectory. After completing his undergraduate studies at Brandeis University, Weissman pursued his M.D. and Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbiology at Boston University.

For nearly three decades, Weissman has dedicated himself to the study of RNA, a crucial molecule found in most living organisms and viruses. His work has focused on understanding messenger RNA and harnessing its potential to fight diseases. The mRNA vaccine developed by Weissman and his team in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has witnessed unprecedented success in preventing severe illness and saving countless lives.

Weissman admitted that, after the successful development of the vaccine, he began to entertain the possibility of receiving the Nobel Prize. However, he expected this recognition to come in five years, as he believed the Nobel committee usually waited for significant findings to mature before bestowing the award. When Katalin Karik??, his long-time collaborator and fellow researcher, received the initial call from the Nobel Prize committee, they both initially dismissed it as a prank. Only after a web conference with the committee did the reality sink in.

As the date for the Nobel Prize ceremony approaches, Weissman's thoughts turn to the auditorium in Stockholm, the same venue his parents had playfully reserved seats in decades ago. He credits his upbringing, surrounded by a family with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, for his success. Weissman's parents' unwavering support and unconditional love have been instrumental in his journey towards the Nobel Prize. His mother beautifully encapsulated their pride and love for him during that life-changing phone call, saying, "Drew, you are the product of our hearts."

Dr. Drew Weissman's remarkable achievement in developing mRNA vaccines that have transformed the world's response to the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a testament to the power of scientific innovation and the unwavering support of loved ones. His Nobel Prize win is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone in the fight against the global health crisis.