Revolutionizing Healthcare: How Three Scientists’ Discovery of GLP-1 Changed the Game for Weight Loss and Disease Treatment

In 2024, Professor Daniel Joshua Drucker, Professor Joel Francis Habener, and Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov were recognized as three of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine. These scientists were honored for their collective efforts in researching and developing effective weight loss drugs.

Their focus on diabetes drugs led to the identification of a crucial link between insulin and incretins, specifically GLP-1, which plays a key role in controlling blood sugar levels and weight. The professors were awarded a special prize at the VinFuture Awards season 3 in December 2023 for their groundbreaking work on GLP-1, which has paved the way for innovative treatments for diabetes, obesity, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. This research has resulted in the development of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov’s significant contribution to synthesizing GLP-1 and developing antibodies against it for crucial research has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of GLP-1 and its impact on insulin levels. Her pioneering work has been previously overlooked by major international biomedical awards but was acknowledged by Time Magazine’s comprehensive evaluation criteria.

The use of GLP-1-based drugs has been approved in the US for treating diabetes and obesity with potential applications in reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Ongoing research is exploring further uses of these drugs in combating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, kidney diseases, and liver disease. The recognition of Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov by Time Magazine underscores the importance of her pioneering work in this field.

The dedication of these scientists to scientific research and innovation continues to shape the future of healthcare. In addition to their accolades from Time Magazine, they have received VinFuture Awards for their revolutionary work on GLP-1 that has paved the way for significant advancements in treating various diseases.

Overall, their groundbreaking discoveries have had a profound impact on medicine and healthcare worldwide. Their continued contributions to this field will undoubtedly lead to more breakthroughs that will benefit millions of people worldwide.