Pinion Newswire
Salt Lake City, Utah
On April 9, 2026, in Salt Lake City, 4Life Founder David Lisonbee announced Dr. Qi Jia as the inaugural recipient of the Lawrence Prize, a distinction created to honor exceptional contributions to scientific research and discovery. The award draws its inspiration from H. Sherwood Lawrence, the pioneering immunologist who first identified transfer factors in 1949.
This recognition not only celebrates individual achievement but also reflects the lasting impact of innovation that has shaped 4Life and immune system science for more than seven decades since the discovery of transfer factors.
The journey from Lawrence’s original discovery to modern applications has been marked by significant advancements. After founding 4Life in 1998, Lisonbee identified transfer factors in egg yolk, a breakthrough that expanded our understanding of these immune-supporting peptides beyond human and bovine sources. Subsequent innovations allowed 4Life to suspend transfer factor peptides in a dietary liquid form, enhancing accessibility and usability. Most recently, the company achieved another milestone by identifying transfer factors within the plant kingdom, demonstrating the continued evolution of this area of research.
The Lawrence Prize was established to recognize scientific rigor, intellectual curiosity, and integrity—qualities exemplified by Dr. Qi Jia. As CEO of UNIGEN, Dr. Jia played a pivotal role in identifying transfer factors in Brassica napus seed, a contribution that significantly advanced plant-based immunological research. His career reflects a sustained commitment to innovation, beginning with his academic foundation in medicinal chemistry at Beijing Medical University and culminating in a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Texas Christian University. Since joining UNIGEN in 1996 and later becoming its president and CEO in 2021, he has led the development of PhytoLogix®, a proprietary natural products library encompassing thousands of plant species from around the world.
4Life’s decision to create the Lawrence Prize underscores a broader philosophy within the organization. While the company has earned dozens of accolades for research, manufacturing, and customer satisfaction, its leadership emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements of others. As Alison Bee noted, true leadership lies not in receiving recognition but giving it.
Since its founding, 4Life has positioned itself as a global leader in immune system nutraceuticals. With more than 80 patents and a presence in dozens of countries, the company continues to build on its scientific foundation while fostering a culture of collaboration and acknowledgment. The awarding of the Lawrence Prize to Dr. Qi Jia represents both a celebration of past achievements and a commitment to future discovery in immune system science.
For more information, visit 4Life – The Immune System Company®
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