On August 15, 2024, TIME honored Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old Ethiopian‑born prodigy, as its Kid of the Year for inventing a revolutionary soap infused with imiquimod—a drug used in treating skin cancer. Named Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), this innovation could dramatically lower costs and increase accessibility to early melanoma treatment.
🚀 A Vision Rooted in Experience
Born in Addis Ababa, Heman witnessed Ethiopian laborers working unprotected under intense sun. After moving to the U.S. at age four, he became aware of the ultraviolet risk prevalent in America. These early influences sparked his lifelong dedication to affordable, global public health solutions.
🧪 Inspired by Chemistry, Motivated by Hope
At seven, Heman received a chemistry set that opened his eyes to chemical reactions—fueling ideas of unlimited energy and future inventions. By 11, his focus shifted to skin cancer treatment following research into imiquimod, prompting his bold idea: deliver the drug via a simple bar of soap.
🧼 How SCTS Works: Innovation in Every Lather
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Active Agent: Imiquimod—a topical immunotherapy already FDA‑approved for certain skin cancers.
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Key Challenge: Avoid drug rinsing with the soap suds.
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Solution: Embedding lipid‑based nanoparticles within the soap, allowing the medication to linger on skin post‑wash like a moisturizer.
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Affordability: Estimated production cost of $0.50–$10/bar, far below traditional treatments priced near $40,000 .
🏆 Recognition & Momentum
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In 2023, Heman won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, earning $25,000 and national acclaim.
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His ongoing research now runs at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, under mentorship from Dr. Vito Rebecca.
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He has also received the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes in 2024.
🔬 Research Journey & Path Ahead
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Lab validation: Early tests on mice to measure SCTS’s efficacy have begun.
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Regulatory roadmap: FDA approval may take 5–10 years, involving clinical trials and patent finalization .
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Foundations for impact: By 2028, Heman aims to launch a nonprofit to distribute the soap globally.
🌍 Potential Global Impact
| Feature | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cost-effective | ~$0.50–$10/bar, vs. $40K traditional creams |
| Scalable solution | Soap is universally used—ideal delivery vehicle. |
| Early intervention | Detects/treats early skin cancer stages like melanoma and actinic keratosis |
| Community health | Empowers underserved regions with affordable therapy. |
🧩 Considerations & Critiques
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Scientific scrutiny: While the imiquimod mechanism isn’t new, the soap-nanoparticle delivery is unique—though it awaits peer-reviewed validation.
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Preclinical stage: Human clinical trials are still necessary—currently, only mouse data exists .
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Complex drug regulations: Combining drug delivery with consumer goods adds regulatory complexity.
💬 Voices from the Field
“It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life.” — Heman Bekele
“Heman is an incredibly charismatic, curious, intelligent… he’s created an invention that has the potential to make the world better for so many people.” — Deborah Isabelle, 3M mentor
Final Word
Heman Bekele has demonstrated extraordinary ingenuity and determination in creating affordable, accessible skincare with potential therapeutic benefits. His journey—from humble chemistry experiments in home to high-stakes lab research—reflects a powerful blend of innovation, compassion, and purpose. While critical steps remain, his soap could one day become a global weapon against skin cancer.