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Jian ZhouChinese scientist, specialist in virology and oncology
Country:
 China |
Content:
Biography of Jian Zhou
Jian Zhou was a Chinese scientist specializing in virology and oncology. He is best known as one of the creators of the vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix, which stimulate and enhance the human body's resistance to the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Jian Zhou studied medicine at Wenzhou Medical College near Shanghai, South China. Unlike his co-author, Australian medic Ian Frazer, Zhou did not live to see the widespread use of his creations.
In 1999, Zhou passed away from complications of hepatitis. He had encountered this unpleasant disease in his early childhood in Southeast China, where hepatitis is unfortunately more prevalent than desired.
The Creation of the Vaccines
Zhou and Frazer were known for their unconventional approach to vaccination. Using the then-emerging DNA cloning technology, they created a copy of the virus that was completely harmless but contained all the necessary antigens to stimulate the body's immune response. These harmless structures, later known as "virus-like particles," taught the body's defenses without exposing it to any risk. This approach was also employed in the development of the anti-HPV vaccines.
The duo began their work at the University of Queensland in 1984. Ian Frazer played a significant role in Zhou's research and ensured that his colleague's contributions were not forgotten. Despite the potential for someone to claim all the fame and profits, Frazer proved himself to be an honest scientist and true professional.
Frazer often emphasized that Zhou was not only a great scientist and a savior for potential HPV victims but also a remarkable teacher. Thanks to Zhou, a whole host of outstanding Chinese-Australian scientists were nurtured and prepared. It is possible that one of them will become a successor to their mentor and continue Zhou and Frazer's research, introducing many more miraculous remedies and drugs to the world.
Legacy and Impact
Jian Zhou is survived by his spouse Xiao-Yi Sun and their only child Andreas. Currently, Gardasil and Cervarix are distributed worldwide, allowing hundreds of millions of young women to protect themselves against the HPV virus. HPV is traditionally considered the cause of 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide, leading to approximately 250,000 deaths in women annually.
