Michael Kappelman Receives $100,000 Sherman Prize for Groundbreaking Work in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Strategic Insights -

Michael Kappelman, MD, MPH, has received a $100,000 Sherman Prize for his work to improve treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in children. As a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at the UNC School of Medicine and a member of UNC Children's Research Institute, Dr. Kappelman has dedicated his career to understanding IBD and developing effective treatments. His research has led to the establishment of anti-TNF therapy as standard of care in pediatric Crohn's disease and the development of the COMPARE-Pediatric IBD study to compare newer biologics and advanced therapies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Kappelman received a $100,000 Sherman Prize for his work to optimize care and treatment for children with IBD.
  • He is a professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at the UNC School of Medicine and a member of UNC Children's Research Institute.
  • Dr. Kappelman's research has led to the establishment of anti-TNF therapy as standard of care in pediatric Crohn's disease.
  • He is the principal investigator for the COMPARE-Pediatric IBD study, which compares newer biologics and advanced therapies for pediatric IBD patients.
  • The prevalence of pediatric IBD in the US is on the rise, and Dr. Kappelman's research aims to understand the disease better and develop effective treatments.
  • Dr. Kappelman's work has improved the quality of life for young patients and their families, and his gift for collaboration and compassion has made a significant impact in the field.
  • He is focused on using available tools, such as medications, nutrition, surgery, and diagnostic tests, to improve care for patients with IBD.
  • Dr. Kappelman's quote, "We can only change the future of IBD if we work together—patients, clinicians, researchers, and families," highlights his commitment to collaborative research and patient-centered care.

Statistics:

  • The Sherman Prize award is $100,000.
  • Dr. Kappelman's research has shown that adding methotrexate to certain anti-TNF therapy can improve outcomes over monotherapy.
  • The COMPARE-Pediatric IBD study aims to compare newer biologics and advanced therapies against each other.
  • The prevalence of pediatric IBD in the US is on the rise and ranks among the highest globally.
  • The disease often diagnoses individuals in childhood or early adulthood and can lead to a lifetime of managing the condition through fluctuating periods of flare-ups and remission.

Sources:

  • "Michael Kappelman, MD, MPH, receives Sherman Prize for work on inflammatory bowel disease" (Sept. 16, UNC School of Medicine)
  • "The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation Announces the 2025 Sherman Prizes" (https://shermanprize.org/news/the-bruce-and-cynthia-sherman-charitable-foundation-announces-the-2025-sherman-prizes/)
  • "Michael Kappelman, MD, MPH" (https://www.med.unc.edu/childrensresearch/directory/michael-kappelman-md-mph/)