European Inventor Award 2013 – Patrick Couvreur (Research)

In the fight against cancer, scientists have long dreamed of a ‘magic bullet’ to eliminate diseased cells without harming healthy tissue. This dream became reality when nano-capsules that deliver potent anti-cancer drugs directly to tumour sites entered clinical practice. The revolutionary method is based on breakthrough discoveries patented by Belgian-born nanotechnology pioneer Patrick Couvreur, Professor and Director of the Physical Chemistry, Pharmacotechnology and Biopharmacy Unit at Paris-Sud University in France. Patrick Couvreur was awarded a €2.2 million Advanced grant of the European Research Council in 2009.