October 16, 2025

Brian Lawson Honored by the National Academy of Medicine for His Groundbreaking CAR-Microglia Approach to Treat MS

San Diego, CA – October 16, 2025 — The Scintillon Research Institute proudly announces that Associate Professor Brian Lawson has been chosen as a recipient of the 2025 Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award from the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This esteemed international award honors bold, innovative research ideas with the potential to extend healthy human lifespan. Dr. Lawson’s winning proposal, titled “CAR-microglia for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis,” will receive $50,000 in seed funding to support the development of a new immunotherapy platform for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Dr. Lawson’s project reimagines how multiple sclerosis (MS) can be treated using the brain’s immune cells. Instead of depending on systemic immunosuppression, his team plans to engineer microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to specifically eliminate disease-causing effector cells behind the blood–brain barrier. These “CAR-microglia” could not only reduce local inflammation but also be designed to promote myelin repair and restore function. “This award will help us develop an entirely new therapeutic concept from the lab toward future clinical applications,” said Dr. Lawson. “Our goal is to develop safer, localized therapies that preserve the immune system while protecting and repairing the nervous system.” 

Selected from a record-high 662 submissions, Dr. Lawson’s project was one of only 15 U.S.-based proposals to earn NAM’s Catalyst Award this year. The recognition emphasizes the transformative potential of CAR-microglia technology and highlights Scintillon’s commitment to advancing innovative solutions for neuroinflammatory diseases and healthy aging.

Support the Future of Science

Your generosity can help accelerate this groundbreaking work from concept to cure. Tax-deductible donations directly support vital research at the Lawson Lab, including mentoring young scientists, providing essential lab supplies, and developing preclinical CAR-microglia therapies. Major contributions may also allow for program growth, investment in advanced equipment, and the creation of lasting legacies, including named research fellowships, endowed chairs, or lab spaces. By partnering with us, you can help shape the future of MS treatment and bring hope to patients with neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Please consider donating today.