GLP-1 based drugs are transforming the treatment of obesity and opening up new avenues for addressing heart disease, addiction, and even Alzheimer’s. Now, three scientists who played key roles in their invention have won a prestigious Lasker Award for biomedical research.

Harvard Medical School professor Joel F. Habener won the 2024 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award for his work on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the Lasker Foundation announced last Thursday.

Three scientists are honored for developing a class of blockbuster weight-loss drugs. Is a Nobel prize on the way?

Each year, the Lasker Awards honor a number of medical professionals doing standout work in research and public service. The New York Times has called the awards “the nation’s most prestigious medical prizes.

Lasker Awards recognized discoveries in immunology, therapeutics for obesity, and global contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Six individuals have received this year's Lasker Awards in the areas of basic research, clinical research, and public service. Each award carries a stipend of $250,000.

One of the researchers described the circumstances that led to the discovery as “serendipity.” This year’s prestigious Lasker medical awards recognize a trio of scientists without whom Ozempic and other blockbuster weight-loss drugs might not exist.

Three scientists were recognized by the Lasker Awards for their work on the GLP-1 hormone. Others were honored for work to stop H.I.V. and for immune system discoveries.

Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are booming in popularity, but experts warn they aren't silver bullets for obesity.