As autumn approaches, the scientific community is abuzz with the announcement of the coveted Lasker Awards, which recognize remarkable achievements in biomedical research. Founded in 1945 by pioneers Mary and Albert Lasker, the Lasker Awards—each accompanied by a $250,000 honorarium—have become known as America's most esteemed biomedical research accolades.

Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award

This year's Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award honors Zhijian “James” Chen, PhD, a professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator. Chen receives this award for his groundbreaking discovery of the cGAS enzyme, which detects foreign DNA from pathogens or damaged cells and activates a swift immune response.

Chen's research unraveled significant details about how DNA stimulates immune and inflammatory reactions. The cGAS enzyme links directly to cellular DNA, leading to the synthesis of cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), which in turn activates STING (stimulator of interferon genes). This crucial process triggers an inflammatory response essential for battling infections and regulating immunity. The cGAS enzyme's role highlights a critical aspect of the innate immune system shared among species from bacteria to humans. Moreover, improper responses to self-DNA can trigger autoimmune diseases, positioning cGAS as a pivotal player in the relationship between DNA detection and immune activation. Its implications extend to the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune conditions, promising advancements in medical science.

Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award

Receiving the Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award are Joel Habener, MD; Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, DMSc; and Svetlana Mojsov, PhD, for their transformative work in developing GLP-1-based therapies, which have made significant strides in combating obesity.

In the 1970s, Habener sparked a revolution in diabetes treatment by researching glucagon, ultimately discovering its link to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Mojsov further advanced this field by synthesizing biologically active GLP-1 and identifying its presence in the intestines, laying the foundation for understanding its biological impact.

By the 1990s, Knudsen led her team at Novo Nordisk in translating these scientific breakthroughs into effective therapies, notably Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. They extended the duration of GLP-1's therapeutic effects, effectively changing the landscape of weight management and improving the lives of countless individuals.

Their pioneering efforts have catalyzed a new wave of research focused on the myriad health benefits associated with GLP-1 therapies, indicating potential improvements in cardiovascular health, chronic kidney disease, fatty liver, and even neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and offering hope in addiction treatment.

Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award

The Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award is awarded to distinguished epidemiologists Quarraisha Abdool Karim, PhD, and Salim S. Abdool Karim, MBChB, for their relentless efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Their groundbreaking research and advocacy have played a crucial role in developing innovative prevention and treatment methods, addressing a devastating epidemic that affects millions worldwide.

The prestigious awards will culminate in a ceremonial gala on September 27, 2024, in New York City, celebrating not only these remarkable individuals but also the future of medical research and its potential to reshape global health. As the biomedical landscape evolves, the impact of these discoveries will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.