Scientists win chemistry Nobel for discoveries about mirrored molecules that led to many drugs
Summary
Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for work on mirrored molecules that has helped make countless modern medicines possible. Their discoveries let scientists control which molecular version is produced, transforming drug design and other fields of chemistry.
Key Points
- Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai won the 2026 Nobel Prize in chemistry for research on mirror-image molecules.
- Their work made it possible to steer chemical reactions toward one molecular version, a breakthrough used widely in medicine.
- The discovery has helped scientists develop many drugs and deepen understanding of the chemistry of life.
- The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced the prize in Stockholm, and the award carries 12 million Swedish kronor.
