Three scientists have been honored with the prestigious Lasker Awards for their groundbreaking work in developing a class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs that are revolutionizing the healthcare landscape. Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen were recognized for their contributions to the creation of anti-obesity drugs that mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which plays a crucial role in lowering blood sugar levels and controlling appetite. The trio, who were acknowledged in the clinical-research category, will share a prize of US$250,000.
The development of these innovative drugs has not only had a significant impact on the treatment of obesity but has also shown promise in managing diabetes and other related conditions. The recognition of GLP-1 research marks a significant milestone in the field, with experts like Randy Seeley, an obesity specialist at the University of Michigan, highlighting the transformative nature of these therapies. “We now have therapies that are actually helping people,” Seeley notes, underscoring the importance of advancements in this area of research.
In addition to the trio of scientists honored for their work on anti-obesity drugs, other recipients of this year’s Lasker Awards include Zhijian ‘James’ Chen at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, who was recognized in the basic-research category for his discoveries related to how DNA triggers immune and inflammatory responses. Salim Abdool Karim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, both affiliated with the Centre for AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, were also honored in the public-service category for their life-saving approaches to preventing and treating HIV infections.
The Contributions of Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen
Joel Habener, an endocrinologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, played a pivotal role in the discovery of the GLP-1 hormone in the 1980s. His research focused on understanding the hormonal mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. By identifying the gene responsible for glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels, Habener uncovered the existence of GLP-1, a hormone that stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin. This discovery laid the foundation for the development of GLP-1-based therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Svetlana Mojsov, a biochemist who directed a facility producing synthetic proteins at Massachusetts General Hospital, was instrumental in identifying the sequence of amino acids that make up the biologically active form of GLP-1. Her research demonstrated the ability of this active form to stimulate insulin release from the pancreas, paving the way for the development of effective treatments for diabetes and obesity. Mojsov’s contributions have been recognized through awards such as the VinFuture Prize, highlighting the importance of her work in advancing scientific knowledge.
Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, a scientist at pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, played a crucial role in overcoming a significant challenge in the therapeutic use of GLP-1. While the hormone was rapidly metabolized in its natural form, Knudsen and her team devised a method to modify GLP-1 by attaching a fatty acid to it, enabling the molecule to remain active in the body for an extended period. This innovation led to the development of liraglutide, the first long-lasting GLP-1-based drug approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Subsequent research has demonstrated the efficacy of these drugs in managing obesity, with newer variants like semaglutide and tirzepatide offering promising outcomes for patients.
The Impact of GLP-1-Based Drugs
GLP-1-based drugs have proven to be more than just treatments for obesity and diabetes. Studies have shown that these therapies can have beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and other conditions, underscoring their broad-reaching impact on overall health. The mechanisms through which these drugs exert their effects, including their influence on the brain and their anti-inflammatory properties, make them valuable tools in addressing a range of health issues.
The recognition of Habener, Mojsov, and Knudsen with the Lasker Awards has sparked speculation about the potential for a Nobel Prize in the near future. The Lasker Awards have historically served as a precursor to the Nobel Prize, with many laureates going on to receive this prestigious honor. As the Nobel prizes are set to be announced next month, the scientific community eagerly awaits the possibility of GLP-1 research being acknowledged on an even larger stage.
While Habener, Mojsov, and Knudsen have been singled out for their contributions, it is important to recognize the collaborative nature of scientific discovery. Numerous scientists, including Jens Juul Holst, Daniel Drucker, and Richard DiMarchi, have played integral roles in advancing GLP-1 research and the development of related therapies. As Randy Seeley aptly puts it, “It’s 10,000 ants that move the anthill,” emphasizing the collective effort required to drive progress in scientific innovation.
In conclusion, the recognition of Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen with the Lasker Awards underscores the transformative impact of their work on the field of obesity and diabetes research. Their contributions have paved the way for the development of innovative treatments that are improving the lives of individuals affected by these conditions. As the scientific community looks towards the future, the potential for a Nobel Prize in recognition of GLP-1 research looms large, highlighting the importance of ongoing advancements in this critical area of study.