Francesco Muntoni | The Novo Nordisk Foundation Prize
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2026

Francesco Muntoni

From genetic inevitability to medical intervention: Francesco Muntoni receives the 2026 Novo Nordisk Prize

For decades, Duchenne muscular dystrophy was a diagnosis without effective treatment. Through pioneering work on RNA-based therapies that allow cells to bypass faulty genes, Francesco Muntoni helped demonstrate that even severe inherited diseases can be modified at their molecular source — a shift that reshaped genetic medicine and earns him the 2026 Novo Nordisk Prize.

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About Francesco Muntoni

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Francesco Muntoni

Professor

  • 1984 – MD, University of Cagliari, Italy
  • 1989 – Specialisation in Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Italy
  • 1993 – Moved to the United Kingdom; appointed at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London
  • 1998- PROFESSOR OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY, IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
  • 2007 – Transferred his clinical, research and diagnostic department to the UCL Institute of Child Health, London
  • [2007] – Professor of Paediatric Neurology, University College London
  • [2007] – Director, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre, Great Ormond Street INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH, London
  • 2022 – Co-founder, DIRECTOR Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, UCL