March 30, 2023
Robert Gallo, MD, is internationally renowned as a co-discoverer of HIV, the cause of AIDS, and as a two-time recipient of the prestigious Albert Lasker Award – a program established in 1945 to honor individuals who have made major contributions to medical science or who have performed public service on behalf of medicine. He received the first Lasker Award for Basic Science in 1982 for his discovery of the first human RNA tumor virus [the old name for retroviruses] and its association with certain leukemias and lymphomas. In 1986, he received the Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his co-discovery of the retrovirus now known as HIV-1 as the cause of AIDS.
“The foundation laid by Dr. Gallo and his co-founders, and nearly three decades of progressive scientific achievement since, have ensured IHV’s continued success and position as a global leader in the research of HIV/AIDS and other chronic viral diseases and cancer,” said University of Maryland, Baltimore President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS.
Dr. Gallo established the Institute of Human Virology, the first-of-its-kind virology center that combines the disciplines of research, patient care, and prevention in a combined effort to speed the pace of medical breakthroughs and deliver care. Since its inception, the Institute has treated more than 2 million patients worldwide and approximately 5,000 patients each year for a variety of chronic and deadly viruses and immune disorders, most notably HIV. Prior to founding the institute, Dr. Gallo spent 30 years at the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute, where he was head of its Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology.
“Robert Gallo is a world-renowned scientist whose breakthrough discoveries and scholarly contributions have made major contributions to foundational science for more than four decades,” said Mark T. Gladwin, MD, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor and Dean at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Vice President, Medical Affairs at University of Maryland, Baltimore. “He is a visionary investigator who has unlocked many important mysteries of human viruses and diseases. Few living scientists have contributed so much to fundamental science, from the discovery of transfer RNAs, DNA polymerase, the first human retroviruses, the inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-2, and the molecular basis for viral-induced oncogenesis. He has been one of our most distinguished members of the University of Maryland School of Medicine faculty for many years and holds the unique distinction of twice winning America's most prestigious scientific award — the Albert Lasker Award in Medicine.”
Molecular Biology and Basic Immunology
Dr. Gallo's legendary scientific career spans six decades. His major impact on scientific discovery began in the 1970s when he characterized all 61 types of the transfer RNAs in animal cells, which are used as essential adaptors when genetic messages are converted into proteins. Then, with a coworker, he described in human cells the enzyme that makes copies of DNA, known as DNA polymerase. In 1976, he identified the first cytokine, which is a chemical messenger that activates the immune system. This cytokine, Interleukin-2, first allowed researchers to grow T-cells in the laboratory and later was used to develop cancer immunotherapy.
“Bob Gallo has had an unparalleled impact on our understanding of the inner workings of infectious agents that afflict humans. The breadth and importance of his discoveries are astounding. There have been tremendous advances in the war on HIV/AIDS and without Bob’s contributions, we would not be where we are today,” said Mario Stevenson, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Director of the Institute of AIDS at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Chair of IHV’s Scientific Advisory Board and Center of Excellence Director of the GVN. “His vast impact on our scientific understanding cannot be understated.”
Virology
In 1980, Dr. Gallo and colleagues discovered the first retrovirus, Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus-1 (HTLV-1) also the first virus shown to directly cause cancer, not only contribute to it as some other viruses identified before it. Two years later, he identified a second retrovirus HTLV-2. These initial retroviral discoveries paved the way for identifying HIV. In 1986, he discovered the first new human herpes virus in more than 25 years, HHV-6, which causes roseola infantum, a fever and rash in infants, and possibly involved in some dementia.
In 1985, Dr. Gallo and his team developed the first HIV blood test, which has been updated by him and other over the years, allowing patient diagnoses and screening of blood used for transfusions. Dr. Gallo and his colleagues were important participants in an NCI-led project with the Burroughs Wellcome Fund developing the antiretroviral drug AZT as the first AIDS therapy.
“Dr. Gallo’s career has been unique and awe-inspiring. He discovered Il-2, a cytokine, which made it possible to grow T-cells. This led to the discovery of the first human RNA virus, HTLV-1, and allowed Dr. Gallo and his colleagues to determine that another retrovirus is the cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Twenty-seven years ago, he founded the Institute of Human Virology in Baltimore. Dr. Gallo’s vision, creativity, and boundless energy made the IHV a world-renowned institution,” said Peter Palese, PhD, Horace W. Goldsmith Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Center of Excellence Director at the GVN, and member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Dr. Palese is also a member of IHV Scientific Advisory Board and Board of Advisors. He is a recipient of the 2017 IHV Lifetime Achievement Award for Scientific Contributions.
Global Public Health
In the early 2000s, Dr. Gallo and his colleagues at IHV developed an HIV vaccine candidate that has now progressed to a Phase Ib clinical trial in Thailand, a true example of IHV’s bench-to-bedside mission.
“Bob’s brilliant scientific breakthroughs saved millions of lives. But he was not satisfied. He created a team of extraordinary of scientists, epidemiologist, and doctors to make sure that science would be used in the most efficient and effective way. That team, centered in Baltimore, spread its passion and knowledge worldwide to cities, to small towns, rural communities. Filled with unmatched energy and daring, Bob is one of history’s great explorers, attracting friends and admirers wherever he goes,” said The Honorable Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Chair of the Board of Advisors of the IHV, former chair of the Board of Directors of the GVN, recipient of the 2019 IHV Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service and Secretary Representative for Pensions and Retirement, U.S. Department of Labor. In her previous role as Lt. Governor of Maryland, Kennedy Townsend recruited Gallo and his team to establish the Institute in the State of Maryland in 1996.
In 2011, Dr. Gallo co-founded the GVN, an organization essential and critical in preparedness, defense, and first response to emerging, existing, and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and present threat to public health. The GVN is a coalition of eminent virologists from 71 Centers of Excellence and 9 Affiliates in 40 countries worldwide working in close coordination. The group contributes to the training of the next generation of virologists, advances knowledge about how to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses, manages viral spread, as well as develops drugs, vaccines, and treatments to combat them.
“Bob Gallo, through his founding and leadership of the Institute of Human Virology in Baltimore has been a God send in many ways,” said Terry Lierman, Co-Chair, IHV Board of Advisors. “He and his colleagues are responsible for the development of more than 500 jobs, and in bringing nearly $2 billion in research revenue to the city and state. Most importantly, literally thousands of lives in Baltimore, the state and the nation have been saved by the Institute’s research, treatment, and prevention programs. Dr Gallo’s energy, tenacity, and vision are an inspiration to anyone who works with him, not to mention the untold benefactors of his deeds. Wow – what a legacy!”
Most recently with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gallo along with his GVN colleagues, notably Konstantin Chumakov, PhD, authored two studies that suggested that the oral polio vaccine made from a live, weakened virus may protect people from SARS-CoV-2. These findings suggest that these types of vaccines could be used in a pinch to protect from future pandemics by amping up the body’s first-response innate immune system.
Dr. Gallo received his BA Degree in Biology from Providence College and his MD Degree from Jefferson Medical College. After conducting his Clinical Clerkship at Yale University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Chicago.
“Bob Gallo’s impact on the scientific world cannot be overstated. He has made so many scientific discoveries including among others, showing HIV as the cause of AIDS. His discoveries have created therapies and therapeutics that have impacted millions of people worldwide. His legacy of curiosity, vision, insight, leadership tenacity, empathy, and humanity serve as a beacon for this and generations to follow,” said John Evans, Co-Chairman of the IHV Board of Advisors and Co-Founder of C-SPAN. He is a recipient of the 2008 IHV Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service.
Accolades
Through his research legacy, Dr. Gallo has published more than 1,300 scientific papers and a book "Virus Hunting - AIDS, Cancer & the Human Retrovirus: A Story of Scientific Discovery," which has been published in 12 languages. Dr. Gallo was the most cited scientist in the world from 1980-1990 and was ranked third in the world for scientific impact during 1983-2002.
In 1996, Science magazine named his team’s work Breakthrough of the Year for demonstrating that certain cytokines could inactivate the HIV virus. He holds 35 honorary doctorate degrees. A sampling of his most prestigious international awards includes Canada’s Gairdner Foundation International Award; The Japan Prize of Science and Technology; Germany’s Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize; India’s Birla Prize; France’s Griffuel Prize; Spain’s Prince Asturias Award; Israel’s Dan David Award, the first Otto Herz Cancer Prize, and the Rabbi Shacknai Immunology Prize; Italy’s Premio International Award, International Science Prize, the Magna Graecia International Prize, and Tevere Roma International Award; China’s highest award, the VCANBIO Award for International Cooperation Life Sciences and Medicine; and the World Health Award from former Soviet Union President Gorbachev.
Dr. Gallo said, “I have for some time been discussing with IHV leadership and campus leadership my transition from Directorship of the Institute to Emeritus Director and Special Advisor to the Dean. In conjunction with Dean Gladwin and President Jarrell, we have initiated a significant and thoughtful recruitment process that will occur over the next year or so. Personally, I could not be prouder of all that this Institute has accomplished since Bill Blattner, Bob Redfield, and I co-founded IHV with the help of our numerous supporters – too many to mention here. I look forward to commemorating the Institute’s achievements during the IHV 25th anniversary meeting September 28-29 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, though it has been 27 years, since we officially opened our doors, we had to postpone our plans due to the pandemic. It is a time in my career that I am more than happy to turn over administrative reigns, and hone my attention on science, in particular, on concepts related to origins of some human cancers and on a fuller understanding of how HIV causes disease or pathogenesis, focusing on an attempt to reach a functional cure where patients no longer need therapy. I look forward to continuing my work with the IHV, which will always have a special place in my heart and expanding my work with the Global Virus Network. I appreciate our faculty and staff’s superb commitment to our mission and look forward to working with my colleagues in my new Emeritus and Special Advisor positions. I will forever be grateful to former Governor Parris Glendenning and former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the Maryland legislature and City of Baltimore and City of Baltimore for recruiting us to the State. I especially look forward to this next chapter in my career when I can focus my time more selectively!”
About the Institute of Human Virology
Formed in 1996 as a partnership between the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the University System of Maryland, and the University of Maryland Medical System, the IHV is an institute of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is home to some of the most globally-recognized and world-renowned experts in all of virology. The IHV combines the disciplines of basic research, epidemiology, and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders, most notably HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For more information, visit ihv.org and follow us on Twitter @IHVmaryland.
About the University of Maryland School of Medicine
Now in its third century, the University of Maryland School of Medicine was chartered in 1807 as the first public medical school in the United States. It continues today as one of the fastest growing, top-tier biomedical research enterprises in the world — with 46 academic departments, centers, institutes, and programs, and a faculty of more than 3,000 physicians, scientists, and allied health professionals, including members of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences, and a distinguished two-time winner of the Albert E. Lasker Award in Medical Research. With an operating budget of more than $1.3 billion, the School of Medicine works closely in partnership with the University of Maryland Medical Center and Medical System to provide research-intensive, academic, and clinically based care for nearly 2 million patients each year. The School of Medicine has nearly $600 million in extramural funding, with most of its academic departments highly ranked among all medical schools in the nation in research funding. As one of the seven professional schools that make up the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, the School of Medicine has a total population of nearly 9,000 faculty and staff, including 2,500 students, trainees, residents, and fellows. The combined School of Medicine and Medical System (“University of Maryland Medicine”) has an annual budget of over $6 billion and an economic impact of nearly $20 billion on the state and local community. The School of Medicine, which ranks as the 8th highest among public medical schools in research productivity (according to the Association of American Medical Colleges profile) is an innovator in translational medicine, with 606 active patents and 52 start-up companies. In the latest U.S. News & World Report ranking of the Best Medical Schools, published in 2021, the UM School of Medicine is ranked #9 among the 92 public medical schools in the U.S., and in the top 15 percent (#27) of all 192 public and private U.S. medical schools. The School of Medicine works locally, nationally, and globally, with research and treatment facilities in 36 countries around the world. Visit medschool.umaryland.edu
Contact
Institute of Human Virology
Jennifer Gonzales
Public Relations & Communications Manager
jennifer.gonzales@ihv.umaryland.edu
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Monday, December 21, 2020
Robert Gallo of the UM School of Medicine Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Awarded Top Life Sciences and Medicine Prize from China
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Friday, December 18, 2020
UMSOM Institute of Human Virology's Robert Gallo Awarded Italy's Magna Graecia International Prize
Robert Gallo, MD, The Homer & Martha Gudelsky Distinguished Professor in Medicine, co-founder and director of the Institute Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and co-founder and international scientific advisor of the Global Virus Network, was awarded Italy’s “Magna Graecia International Prize,” an award created in 1997 by the Magna Graecia Foundation that is bestowed to the most influential Italians and Italians of origin who have embodied and symbolized, in the most diverse sectors, the best qualities of Italy by extending Italian culture beyond national borders.
Thursday, October 08, 2020
NPR: Could The Live Flu Vaccine Help You Fight Off COVID-19?
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Thursday, September 24, 2020
Baltimore Sun: A vaccine will help, not end coronavirus pandemic, experts in Maryland and globally say
A global group of virus experts warned Thursday about relying too much on the first vaccines to end the coronavirus pandemic. “If we get a perfect vaccine, great, but that’s unlikely,” said Dr. Robert Gallo, co-founder of the Global Virus Network, during a news conference following a meeting of the organization that works to understand and treat infectious diseases.
Friday, August 21, 2020
Institute of Human Virology and Italian Researchers identify a SARS-CoV-2 Viral Strain with Deletion in a Protein, Possibly Reducing Fatalities
The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, a Global Virus Network (GVN) Center of Excellence, in collaboration with scientists from Campus Biomedico in Rome, Italy announced today the results of studies showing the emergence of a SARS-CoV-2 viral strain with a deletion in a protein known as nsp1. These data, accepted for publication today by the Journal of Translational Medicine, (link here) may indicate the emergence of a less pathogenic viral strain.
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Wall Street Journal Op-Ed: An Old Vaccine May Help Against Coronavirus: A tablet for polio boosts innate immunity, which fights other viruses.
In this op-ed coauthored by Dr. Robert C. Gallo and Daniel J. Arbess, they discuss how “An Old Vaccine May Help Against Coronavirus: A tablet for polio boosts innate immunity, which fights other viruses.”
Monday, June 29, 2020
Baltimore Magazine Special Edition: Dr. Gallo Featured
Dr. Robert Gallo is featured in Baltimore Magazine's special edition, "On the Front Lines: Acts of Courage and Kindness in the Age of Coronavirus."
Thursday, June 11, 2020
Global Virus Network Suggests Oral Polio Vaccine May Provide Temporary Protection Against COVID-19
The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition comprised of the world’s preeminent human and animal virologists from 53 Centers of Excellence, including the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and 10 Affiliates in 32 countries, published a viewpoint in Science today that the stimulation of innate immunity by live attenuated vaccines in general, and oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) in particular, could provide temporary protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Friday, May 01, 2020
NYT Op-Ed Features Gallo-Chumakov Oral Polio Vaccine for COVID-19 Idea
What if We Already Have a Coronavirus Vaccine? Researchers are testing whether decades-old vaccines for polio and tuberculosis could protect against infection.
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Dr. Robert Gallo Appears on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal
Please check out Dr. Robert Gallo’s C-SPAN Washington Journal appearance today to discuss COVID-19 treatments, vaccines, the need for the Global Virus Network, and more.
Monday, April 27, 2020
Expert Breaks Down Coronavirus Research: Is it Worse than HIV? Is it Mutating?
IHV Co-Founder and Director, Robert Gallo, MD is interviewed on LBC, a radio station in the United Kingdom. Darren Adam had Professor Gallo on the line to discuss his research in the past and the work he's carrying out during the coronavirus crisis. "We have learned to live with HIV" Darren began, listing out how it has changed from a death sentence to a disease that humans can live a long life with. He wondered if this could be possibly the path we're taking with Covid-19.
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Dr. Robert Gallo on India Today Discussing the Oral Polio Vaccine for COVID-19
IndiaToday on Twitter - “Can oral polio vaccine help in fighting #Covid19? @DrRobertCGallo responds. #NewsToday with @sardesairajdeep
Friday, April 17, 2020
Dr. Robert Gallo Discusses Repurposing the Oral Polio Vaccine on CNN
Dr. Robert Gallo discusses repurposing the oral polio vaccine, drug therapies and more on COVID-19 on CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper, April 17, 2020.
Monday, April 13, 2020
Can an Oral Polio Vaccine Stop COVID-19?
Please see this just released Associated Press article, “Could old vaccines for other germs protect against COVID-19?” with Dr. Robert Gallo (Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine) and Dr. Konstantin Chumakov (U.S. Food and Drug Administration), both of the Global Virus Network (GVN).
Wednesday, April 08, 2020
Institute of Human Virology Co-founder on Coronavirus Recovery, Antibody Testing, Drug Testing, Bloomberg TV
Dr. Robert Gallo, the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Co-founder and director discusses the coronavirus. He speaks with Haidi Stroud-Watts and Shery Ahn on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia." (Source: Bloomberg)
Tuesday, April 07, 2020
A Deep Look Into The Coronavirus with Dr. Robert Gallo on WYPR (Baltimore’s local NPR station)
(WNPR) Dr. Robert Gallo has been getting to know viruses-- their targets and their weaknesses--for decades, even before he co-discovered the virus that causes AIDS in the 1980s. At the University of Maryland’s Institute for Human Virology, which he heads, Gallo is looking at the coronavirus; he joins us to share his thoughts. Gallo is also co-founder and international scientific advisor at the Global Virus Network.
Wednesday, April 01, 2020
Dr. Robert Gallo Featured on MSNBC’s 11th Hour with Brian Williams
Robert Gallo, MD, Co-Founder and Director of the Institute of Human Virology, discusses SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19, specifically, how he thinks the fight against the Coronavirus is going thus far.
Friday, October 04, 2019
Institute of Human Virology Hosts 21st Annual International Meeting of Top Scientists on Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in America and the Intersection of Opioid Use Disorder
The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine commenced IHV2019 held Thursday, October 3 through Friday, October 4 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland. This year “Progress in HIV/AIDS: Challenges in 2020” opened with highlights about the recent plan for "Ending the HIV Epidemic by 2030” with expert opinions by ADM Brett Giroir, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Monday, August 26, 2019
Dr. Robert Gallo Featured in Malcolm Gladwell's Podcast, "Revisionist History: The Obscure Virus Club"
"Revisionist History" by Malcolm Gladwell: “The Obscure Virus Club,” featuring three prominent virologists, including Dr. Robert Gallo (as well as Dr. Ludwig Gross and Dr. Howard Temin).