Australia awards cervical cancer vaccine developer

The University of Queensland (UQ) professor behind the world's first cervical cancer vaccine received one of Australia's most prestigious medical awards last night.

Already the 2006 Australian of the Year, Professor Ian Frazer has been awarded the Merck Sharp and Dohme Florey Medal.

Frazer said it was an honour to receive the award on behalf of the team of people involved in developing human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical cancer vaccines, especially his UQ colleague, the late Dr Jian Zhou.

The Florey Medal carries a $25,000 prize and is named in honour of Sir Howard Florey, the penicillin inventor who was Australia's first Nobel Laureate in Medicine.

UQ vice chancellor, Professor John Hay AC said the Florey Medal was appropriate recognition for Frazer. "The Florey Medal indicates a milestone in achievement in biomedical science and human health advancement based on Australian research," Hay said.

"Past winners include Professor Barry Marshall and Professor Robin Warren, who subsequently received the 2005 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work involving gastritis, stomach ulcers and antibiotics.

"Ian Frazer, whose discovery has the potential to wipe out a cancer that annually kills about 27,000 women worldwide, deserves to be in such distinguished company."

Medal selection committee member, Professor Rick McLean said Frazer was the clear choice from 20 top ranking scientists for this year's award.