Breakthrough in Cystic Fibrosis Research
Dr. Michael J. Welsh, a longtime professor at the University of Iowa, has been awarded the 2025 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award, often referred to as the “American Nobel.” Welsh shares the honor with Jesús (Tito) González and Paul A. Negulescu for their transformative work in cystic fibrosis research. Their discoveries have helped extend the life expectancy of patients from under 30 years to as high as 80 years with modern therapies.
Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that clogs organs with thick mucus, primarily affects the lungs. Welsh’s research uncovered how mutations in the CFTR protein disrupt normal hydration of airways. His team proved that the defective protein could be “corrected” under certain conditions, paving the way for therapies that changed the course of the disease.
From Lab to Life-Saving Treatments
Using Welsh’s foundational work, González and Negulescu, both of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, developed Trikafta, a triple-drug therapy now helping about 90% of cystic fibrosis patients. This breakthrough transformed what was once a terminal illness into a manageable condition for the vast majority of patients worldwide.
“Mike Welsh’s work exemplifies how fundamental science — driven by curiosity, collaboration, and purpose — can lead to transformative innovations and therapies,” said Dr. Denise Jamieson, vice president for medical affairs at the University of Iowa.
A Career Rooted in Compassion
Welsh, a native of Marshalltown, Iowa, began his career nearly 50 years ago. He recalls being inspired by a young patient he examined in the 1970s who struggled to breathe and faced little chance of living past her teens. That encounter cemented his dedication to cystic fibrosis research.
After completing both undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Iowa, Welsh joined the faculty in 1981. Today he directs the Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and holds the Roy J. Carver Professorship of Internal Medicine and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. His work has been supported by federal grants and philanthropy, funding he credits as essential for advancing medical science and training future researchers.
Beyond Cystic Fibrosis
While the Lasker Award is a career milestone, Welsh’s efforts continue. His protein studies are opening new avenues for treating Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. He emphasizes the importance of finding solutions for the 10% of cystic fibrosis patients not yet benefiting from Trikafta. “We need to continue our work to find solutions that help those people,” Welsh said.
Welsh’s work and patient stories, including that of a woman who is now able to run thanks to the therapies, will be highlighted in a documentary premiering at the University of Iowa medical school on September 30. The three honorees in this year’s clinical category will split a $250,000 honorarium at the Lasker gala later this fall.