The development of modern weight-loss drugs like Ozempic is the result of decades of scientific exploration and discovery. This journey, marked by perseverance and serendipity, has transformed our approach to treating obesity and diabetes. Dr. Joel Habener and Dr. Svetlana Mojsov, who are set to receive the prestigious Lasker Award for their pivotal contributions, offer a glimpse into the challenging yet rewarding path that led to these life-changing drugs.
From Diabetes to GLP-1: The Genesis of a Breakthrough
In the mid-1970s, Dr. Joel Habener, then a budding physician-scientist, embarked on a quest to understand diabetes better. His focus was on glucagon, a hormone known for raising blood sugar levels, in contrast to insulin, which lowers it. Habener’s goal was to unravel the complexities of glucagon to discover new diabetes treatments.
Early Challenges and Fortuitous Discoveries
Habener’s research journey faced a significant setback when the US National Institutes of Health imposed restrictions on studying mammalian genes. This unexpected obstacle led him to pivot towards the anglerfish, an unusual but intriguing model due to its unique endocrine organ outside the pancreas.
It was in the anglerfish that Habener made a crucial discovery: a precursor protein that not only gave rise to glucagon but also to a second hormone that resembled it. Unbeknownst to him at the time, this hormone was the precursor to what would become known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a cornerstone of today’s diabetes and obesity treatments.
Advancing GLP-1 Research
Dr. Svetlana Mojsov, a chemist and research associate professor at The Rockefeller University, played a critical role in advancing the understanding of GLP-1. Having emigrated from Yugoslavia, Mojsov took Habener’s foundational work and expanded upon it through detailed structural analysis and innovative synthesis methods.
She correctly predicted the active form of GLP-1 and demonstrated that it was released in the intestines to stimulate insulin production. This was a significant breakthrough in understanding how GLP-1 could be harnessed for therapeutic purposes. Her work laid the groundwork for proving GLP-1’s potential in clinical settings.
The Evolution of GLP-1 Drugs
The initial discoveries were further developed in the 1990s by Dr. Lotte Bjerre Knudsen and her team at Novo Nordisk. Knudsen’s work led to the creation of Ozempic, a drug that transformed the management of diabetes by extending the therapeutic effects of GLP-1 from a few hours to over a week.
Expanding Applications and Future Prospects
The therapeutic applications of GLP-1 drugs have broadened significantly. Initially used to manage diabetes, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are now also approved for obesity treatment. These drugs have been shown to offer additional benefits, including potential cardiovascular protection and, emerging evidence suggests, protective effects against dementia.
Despite the promising benefits, Mojsov cautions against using GLP-1 drugs for cosmetic reasons. “Obese patients lose a lot of weight but also their muscle mass, and that’s also very serious,” she emphasizes. The focus should remain on their therapeutic benefits rather than aesthetic outcomes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of GLP-1 Drugs
As research continues, both Mojsov and Habener are optimistic about the future. They envision a new generation of GLP-1 drugs that will further reduce side effects and target a broader range of diseases. The continued evolution of these treatments promises to address more health challenges and enhance the quality of life for many.
Conclusion
The journey to developing Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs is a testament to the persistence and ingenuity of scientists like Joel Habener and Svetlana Mojsov. Their groundbreaking work, initially born from curiosity and faced with numerous challenges, has culminated in transformative treatments for diabetes and obesity. As the field progresses, the potential for these drugs to address additional health issues and improve patient outcomes continues to grow, offering hope and enhanced quality of life to millions worldwide.
