Cure Alzheimer’s Fund Awards Morby Prize to Pioneering Researchers

The Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has awarded the second annual Jeffrey L. Morby Prize to Dr. Andrew S. Yoo and Dr. Zhao Sun from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis for their groundbreaking research on Alzheimer’s disease. Their study, published in Science, presents a novel method for studying aged neurons in the laboratory without the need for brain biopsies, opening new pathways for understanding late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The Morby Prize, named in honor of the late co-founder of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Jeffrey L. Morby, recognizes scientific publications that significantly advance the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. The award includes a $200,000 grant to further Alzheimer’s-related research in Dr. Yoo’s lab, highlighting the nonprofit’s dedication to supporting innovative research aimed at combating Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Yoo and Dr. Sun’s research utilizes direct neuronal reprogramming to convert skin cells from patients into neurons that replicate the aging process. This innovative approach allows for the observation of key disease characteristics, such as amyloid beta plaque accumulation, offering new insights into the progression of Alzheimer’s and potential treatment options. Dr. Yoo emphasized the significance of their work, stating, "This method will enable us to dissect how aging, as the primary risk factor, contributes to neurodegeneration," and its potential to identify why certain neurons are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s.

The recognition of Drs. Yoo and Sun by their peers with the Morby Prize underscores the scientific community’s acknowledgment of their contributions to Alzheimer’s research. Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, commended the researchers for their innovative thinking and the profound impact of their work on the Alzheimer’s community. This award not only celebrates the legacy of Jeffrey L. Morby but also propels the fund’s mission to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through cutting-edge research.