Taipei, Sept. 28 (CNA) – Revolutionary Gains in Diabetes and Obesity Treatments

The road to groundbreaking advancements in diabetes and obesity medications was illuminated on Saturday by three distinguished scientists honored with the 2024 Tang Prize in Biopharmaceutical Science. Joel Habener, Svetlana Mojsov, and Jens Juul Holst recounted their remarkable journey of discovering the peptide hormone GLP-1, which facilitates insulin secretion, and its transformative role in modern medicine.

Honored for their foundational work on GLP-1 (7-37), the laureates presented a compelling narrative of determination and innovation at the National Central Library in Taipei. Their collaborative efforts laid the groundwork for developing pivotal anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medications.

The Journey Begins

Danish professor Jens Juul Holst, in attendance, revealed his initial fascination with insulin-driven research back in 1972. It was during his surgical practice on gastric ulcer patients that he noticed they often developed reactive hypoglycemia—prompting him to question the mechanisms responsible for excessive insulin secretion in these individuals.

Insulin plays a crucial regulatory role in maintaining blood sugar levels, and a delicate balance is essential. Overproduction can lead to dangerously low blood sugar, while insufficient levels can result in diabetes. Hypotheses emerged around incretin—a hormone released upon food intake that prompts insulin release from the pancreas.

Holst and his team, through painstaking research in the 1980s, successfully isolated GLP-1 (1-37), the active form of incretin. By 1989, they revealed the true structure of human GLP-1, a discovery that would change the landscape of diabetes treatment forever.

The Role of GLP-1

The truncated form GLP-1 (7-37) later emerged as a key player in regulating glucagon levels, managing gastrointestinal motility, and significantly reducing appetite, making it a powerhouse in the battle against diabetes and obesity. Holst shared how, despite initial resistance from pharmaceutical companies, including Novo Nordisk's skepticism towards developing peptide-based medications, perseverance eventually led to breakthroughs like Semaglutide, a game-changing treatment.

A Collective Struggle

Echoing Holst’s sentiment, Habener, now 87, shared his own struggles during the 1980s when U.S. government restrictions halted research using recombinant DNA technology. Forced to switch from mice to anglerfish for testing, Habener’s tenacity paid off. Alongside Mojsov, he contributed to identifying GLP-1 (7-37) as the active incretin.

Mojsov, who presented her research notes from 1983, emphasized the significance of her hypothesis regarding the "cleaved" GLP-1 (7-37) as the true catalyst for insulin release, showcasing the vital amino acid match between GLP-1 and glucagon. Both American and Macedonian by nationality, she heralded GLP-1-based drugs as revolutionary multi-target agents capable of addressing various disorders, including exciting prospects for treating Parkinson's disease.

Broad Impact of GLP-1 Therapies

Notably, she cited additional health benefits of GLP-1 therapies, highlighting their protective effects on kidneys and cardiovascular health. Here’s the surprising truth: while managing diabetes and obesity, these drugs could radically improve overall health.

Recognition and Future Implications

The Tang Prize, designed by Ruentex Group Chairman Samuel Yin in 2012, serves as a prestigious international accolade awarded biennially to individuals making significant contributions across various fields. Each laureate receives NT$40 million (approximately USD 1.26 million) and an NT$10 million research grant.

As the world faces a growing diabetes and obesity crisis, the efforts of Habener, Mojsov, and Holst stand as a beacon of hope. Their work not only showcases scientific triumph against adversity but also maps out a promising future for the medical community. So, what stuns researchers the most? The potential of peptide-based therapeutics might just be the tip of the iceberg in revolutionizing treatment for numerous ailments. Stay tuned to witness the incredible evolution in science that awaits!