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Kenneth Murray (1931 - ) Born in England Year of Discovery: 1969  First Genetically Engineered Vaccine - Hepatitis B An exciting medical discovery, originally considered "frightening" by government officials, eventually saved millions of lives. It also introduced to the medical community a microbiologist who would become known as the "Robin Hood" of medical research. Scotland's Kenneth Murray used his expertise in genetic engineering (the creation of new genes) to develop a vaccine for Hepatitis B, a devastating liver disease. The liver is the largest solid organ inside the body, weighing over three pounds in the average adult. It's also one of the busiest organs, playing keys roles in detoxification, protein synthesis and digestion. Hepatitis B, a serious viral infection that damages the cells of the liver, was extremely difficult to treat prior to Murray's vaccine. In 1969, an outbreak of hepatitis B at a kidney transplant unit in Edinburgh, Scotland, highlighted the need for an effective treatment. Eleven people died because there was no vaccine available to fight this deadly disease. Across the city, Kenneth Murray, a molecular biologist, was shocked to learn about the nightmare faced by his medical colleagues. At the time, he was conducting research with his wife, Noreen, also a microbiologist. They were working in the emerging field of genetic engineering, devising ways to both create new genes and clone existing ones. This would prove to be crucial because, until then, hepatitis vaccines could only be made from the blood of hepatitis B carriers-a cumbersome and costly process that produced very limited supplies. But, if Murray could use his technology to re-create the hepatitis vaccine in the laboratory, then large-scale production of the vaccine would be possible. Murray got a sample of the Hepatitis B virus from his colleagues in Edinburgh. He then set about the difficult task of careful study required to recreate the vaccine as a man-made product. But, this was not the only challenge with which Murray had to contend. Genetic engineering was so new and alarming, the government insisted his work be done under intense security and containment at a germ warfare center. In fact, safety concerns were so high at the time, the United States would not allow this type of research on human viruses at all! In November, 1978, they demonstrated they had successfully recreated the hepatitis antigens in the lab. This laid the foundation for development of a tool for diagnosing those infected by the virus and, most significantly, the development of a synthetic vaccine to fight against Hepatitis B. The vaccine would not only prove to be effective, but was safer and cheaper than vaccines derived from blood products. Over 300 million people around the world are infected with Hepatitis B, so Murray's breakthrough was a most welcome and significant advance. Murray was a co-founder of the European company Biogen, which patented the Hepatitis B vaccine. The patents require the payment of royalties by drug companies using or adapting Murray's original discovery. It soon became obvious Murray's royalty earnings from this breakthrough would be significant-but, Murray had no interest in simple self-indulgence. Instead, Kenneth Murray used his share to establish the Darwin Trust, which supports educational and research activities in natural science. "I could have taken the money but I don't need to. I don't particularly want a Rolls- Royce," said Murray. "It has been a fairy story, I suppose. I have actually got a lot a satisfaction out of the trust." It is this generosity which earned him the affectionate title of the "Robin Hood" of medical research. Murray received a great deal of recognition for his work with the Hepatitis B vaccine and for his dedication to medical research. He was even knighted for his discovery! But, even with the money and the recognition, Murray continued to dedicate himself to research. Hunched over his laboratory bench in pursuit of the next breakthrough, Murray could often be overheard saying, "Experiments don't do themselves." Introduction by April Ingram
Table of Contents IntroductionLinks to More Information About the Scientist Key Insight Key Experiment or Research Key Contributors Quotes by the Scientist Quotes About the Scientist Anecdotes Fun Trivia About The Science The Science Behind the Discovery Personal Information Science Discovery Timeline Recommended Books About the Science Books by the Scientist Books About the Scientist Awards Major Academic Papers Curriculum Vitae Links to Science and Related Information on the Subject Sources
Links to More About the Scientist & the Science The University of Edinburgh article on Murray: http://www.research-innovation.ed.ac.uk/success/hepatitisB.asp Newspaper article, "The million dollar microbe," about Murray's discovery (pdf): http://www.60yearsofnhsscotland.co.uk/media/downloads/sources-hepatitis.pdf Fungal biology, by Deacon, referencing Murray's research: Sliders & Images here Image Flow Here
Key Contributors
The Science Behind the Discovery
Curriculum VitaeLinks to Information on the Science Sources/References |
