Helsinki - Bioscientist Robert Langer of the United States on Wednesday won the Finnish Millennium Technology Prize for his contributions to developing drug delivery systems.

In all six researchers in four categories were nominated for the prize worth a total of 1 million euros (1.5 million dollars)

Langer collected 800,000 euros (1.2 million dollars), becoming the third winner of the prize that was created in 2004, and is awarded every two years. The first winner was Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the worldwide web.

In 2006, Japanese scientist and inventor Shuji Nakamura won the award for work on various light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and developing the blue laser which can be used in CD and DVD players.

A prolific inventor and institute professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technnology (MIT), Langer's systems are used to treat cancer, heart disease and other diseases.

Langer, 59, was also credited with making advances in tissue engineering, including synthetic replacements for biological tissues such as artificial skin.

Stig Gustavson, chairman of Technology Academy Finland, said the Millennium Technology Prize aimed to "recognize and inspire innovations offering solutions that promote quality of life and sustainable development."

More details on the prize on the website www. milleniumprize. fi. (dpa)