The Nobel Foundation also added that despite Steinman’s death that took place only a few days ago before the prize was announced, the decision would remain unchanged. Incidentally, Steinman used his own medicines to cure him of cancer. It was reported that he would be holding on till the prize is announced but succumbed to pancreatic cancer on Friday last. However, the news of his death was not shared with the Nobel Foundation and was reported only after the award was shared by Steinman along with two other scientists.

Friends and colleagues called the news bittersweet as they went on to reminisce the person Steinman had been throughout his career. His daughter Alexis Steinman, 34, told Reuters that the family wanted him here for this. We were like 'OK Dad, I know things aren't going well but the Nobel, they are going to announce it next Monday and he said that he knows that he has hold out for that. They don't give it to you if you have passed away.