Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai for Breakthrough in Molecular Chirality

The laureates are recognized for solving the mystery of asymmetric “mirror image” molecules, a discovery that has revolutionized pharmaceutical production.

Scientists Henri Kagan and Kenso Soai have been awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work in resolving a long-standing puzzle regarding asymmetric “mirror image” molecules—a breakthrough of immense importance to the pharmaceutical industry.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on Wednesday that the honors go to Kagan, 95, of France, and Soai, 76, of Japan, “for the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis.”

Their research demonstrated how chemical reactions can be steered to favor one specific molecular mirror image. This discovery has become a cornerstone for chemists designing reactions used to synthesize modern medicines.

Many molecules vital to life exist in two mirror-image forms, similar to a human’s left and right hands. However, living organisms almost exclusively utilize only one version. This phenomenon, known as “homochirality” (derived from the Greek word for hand), has baffled chemists for over a century.

“The left-handed version of a drug can produce one effect, while the right-handed version may produce another; therefore, we require methods to prepare them selectively,” explained Peter Somfai of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry. “The findings of this year’s laureates provided the powerful tools necessary to achieve this.”

Heiner Linke, chair of the committee, described the scientists’ work as “spectacular,” noting that they provided a solution to a century-old mystery regarding how homochirality can emerge spontaneously.

‘Most exciting day’

Speaking via telephone during the Nobel Prize press conference, Soai revealed he was out shopping when he learned of the award. “This is the most exciting day of my life, and I am very glad to share this prize with Professor Henri Kagan,” he said.

The previous year’s chemistry prize was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for their development of metal-organic frameworks, which are used to address global challenges such as freshwater scarcity and climate change.

The chemistry award is traditionally the third prize presented during Nobel week, following the prizes for physics and medicine. The literature laureate will be announced Thursday, followed by the peace prize on Friday.

Established by the will of Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, these prizes have recognized achievements in science, literature, and peace since 1901. Nobel, a chemist who amassed his fortune primarily through the invention of dynamite, founded the awards; the economics prize was later added and is funded by the Swedish central bank.

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