Kagan and Soai Win Chemistry Nobel

Oct 7

Tagesschau announces the Chemistry Nobel for Henri Kagan of France and Kenso Soai of Japan, explaining the significance of molecules with non-interchangeable mirrored forms. Müller-Ehrenfeld describes chirality, Kagan's work in the 1980s and Soai's 2003 breakthrough. Committee chairman Heiner Linke explains that mirrored versions may have useful, ineffective or harmful effects. The report presents thalidomide's mirrored forms as a contrast between sedation and embryonic harm. Organic chemist Oliver Trapp describes future application and 99.99 percent purity as a hope. The laureates share prize money of approximately one million euros; no drug approval or prize ceremony is announced.

The 2026 Chemistry Nobel is announced on October 7 for Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai. DD India describes nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis and their pharmaceutical significance. TSN explains amino-acid asymmetry and the importance of molecular form for medicines; it initially calls Kagan Andriy and calls him Henri in its closing recap. These compatible accounts describe one award decision, with the aired name discrepancy preserved rather than a different laureate or award. No new drug approval or completed prize ceremony is established. Tagesthemen's October 7 announcement names Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai and explains mirror-image molecular forms, their non-interchangeability and importance for medicines. This is compatible coverage of the same award decision; it establishes no drug approval or completed prize ceremony. Oman TV's October 7 announcement identifies the same laureates and explains selection between molecular forms and the prospect of reducing unwanted pharmaceutical effects. It reports the award's significance, not a new approved medicine.