In 2000, Drs. Alter and Houghton were honored with the Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research for "pioneering work leading to the discovery of the virus that causes hepatitis C and the development of screening methods that reduced the risk of blood transfusion-associated hepatitis in the U.S. from 30% in 1970 to virtually zero in 2000."
Pada tahun 2000, Drs. Alter dan Houghton diberi penghargaan yakni Lasker Award for Clinical Medical Research karena telah "merintis karya yang membawa ke penemuan virus yang menyebabkan hepatitis C dan pengembangan metode penapisan sehingga telah menurunkan risiko hepatitis terkait transfusi darah di AS dari 30% pada 1970 menjadi hingga hampir nol pada 2000."