Three professors, Professor Daniel Joshua Drucker, Professor Joel Francis Habener, and Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov, were recognized by Time Magazine as among the 100 most influential people in the world in 2024. This prestigious list acknowledges outstanding figures in various categories such as artists, leaders, innovators, and pioneers.
The professors 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.
In December 2023, the professors were awarded a special prize at the VinFuture Awards season 3 for their groundbreaking work on GLP-1. This research has paved the way for innovative treatments for diabetes, obesity, and potentially neurodegenerative diseases. The development of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound is a testament to their dedication to scientific research and innovation.
Associate Professor Svetlana Mojsov was also honored by Time Magazine for her significant role in synthesizing GLP-1 and developing antibodies against it for crucial research. Her contributions have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of GLP-1 and its impact on insulin levels.
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 the field of weight loss drugs, which was previously overlooked by major international biomedical awards. This acknowledgment aligns with the comprehensive evaluation criteria of the VinFuture Award, highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of these scientists.
In addition to the accolades from Time Magazine
