Discovery of GLP-1–Based Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity

This article chronicles the scientific and clinical breakthroughs behind GLP1 based drugs, which have transformed obesity treatment. The 2024 Lasker DeBakey Award recognized Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen for their pivotal work in identifying GLP 1(7–36)amide as an insulinotropic peptide and developing long acting analogues like liraglutide and semaglutide. Originally targeting type 2 diabetes, these drugs were later found to induce significant weight loss (15–20%) by suppressing appetite via GLP-1 receptor activation. Beyond obesity, GLP1 agonists reduce cardiovascular events, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, with emerging potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Challenges like rapid degradation and side effects were overcome through innovations such as DPP4 resistant formulations (e.g., once weekly semaglutide) and dual agonists (e.g., tirzepatide). The article highlights the expanding therapeutic landscape of GLP1 drugs, underscoring their multidisciplinary impact and future potential in metabolic and neurologic diseases.

This article chronicles the scientific and clinical breakthroughs behind GLP1 based drugs, which have transformed obesity treatment. The 2024 Lasker DeBakey Award recognized Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen for their pivotal work in identifying GLP 1(7–36)amide as an insulinotropic peptide and developing long acting analogues like liraglutide and semaglutide. Originally targeting type 2 diabetes, these drugs were later found to induce significant weight loss (15–20%) by suppressing appetite via GLP-1 receptor activation. Beyond obesity, GLP1 agonists reduce cardiovascular events, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, with emerging potential in neurodegenerative disorders. Challenges like rapid degradation and side effects were overcome through innovations such as DPP4 resistant formulations (e.g., once weekly semaglutide) and dual agonists (e.g., tirzepatide). The article highlights the expanding therapeutic landscape of GLP1 drugs, underscoring their multidisciplinary impact and future potential in metabolic and neurologic diseases.