Harvey M. Alter

Harvey M. Alter is an American physician and virologist known for his significant contributions to the understanding of viral hepatitis. In the 1970s, Alter and his team discovered a new form of hepatitis, later named hepatitis C, which was responsible for many unexplained cases of liver disease. This groundbreaking work helped transform medical practices related to blood transfusions and led to the development of blood tests for hepatitis C, significantly improving public health. In 2020, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his pivotal role in this research, recognizing his impact on infectious disease prevention.