Research on orexin and narcolepsy earns Lasker Award for Yanagisawa and Mignot

Masashi Yanagisawa and Emmanuel Mignot were honored with the Lasker Award for their work uncovering the role of orexin in narcolepsy. The award was announced on September 9, 2026.

Their research began with informal discussions in the lab and progressed through studies in mice and dogs, eventually involving the flu virus to deepen understanding of the disorder.

The findings have already been recognized with a Breakthrough Prize, highlighting the impact of this work on sleep‑disorder science and potential therapeutic approaches.

The Lasker Award underscores the importance of basic research in translating biological insights into future treatments for narcolepsy and related conditions.