Svetlana Mojsov Recognized with Frontiers of Knowledge Award

Svetlana Mojsov, a Research Associate Professor at The Rockefeller University, has achieved remarkable recognition as a recipient of the Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine from the BBVA Foundation, based in Spain. She shares this prestigious accolade with three distinguished scientists: Daniel Drucker of Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Joel Habener of Harvard University, and Jens Juul Holst from the University of Copenhagen. Together, they have pioneered research that laid the groundwork for a new generation of medications used to tackle the rising global epidemics of type 2 diabetes and obesity, including the breakthrough drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.

Mojsov's Journey in Diabetes Research

Mojsov's inspiring journey began in the 1970s as a Ph.D. student at Rockefeller. Under the mentorship of biochemistry professor R. Bruce Merrifield, who later won the Nobel Prize for his work on solid-phase peptide synthesis, Mojsov made incredible strides in her field. She became the first to achieve the complete synthesis of glucagon, a critical peptide hormone that plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels.

Groundbreaking Discoveries in Peptide Chemistry

In the 1980s, during her tenure as an independent investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital, Mojsov applied her knowledge of peptide chemistry to various groundbreaking projects. Among her most significant discoveries was glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone released by the gut in response to food intake, which enhances insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner. This monumental finding set the stage for the development of medications that not only treat diabetes effectively but also lead to dramatic weight loss and reduce the risk of serious complications such as heart attacks and kidney disease.

Broader Implications of Mojsov's Research

The implications of Mojsov's research extend beyond diabetes treatment. Medications based on GLP-1 are now being explored for their potential effectiveness in treating sleep apnea, obesity-related liver disease, and even certain cancers. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest they could have therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, as well as addiction disorders.

A Legacy of Achievement

Notably, Mojsov is the second scientist from Rockefeller to be honored with the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award in its 17-year history; she follows in the footsteps of Jeff Friedman, a honoree in 2012. This year alone, she has been distinguished with numerous accolades, including the Lasker Award, the Tang Prize, the Warren Triennial Prize, the Princess of Asturias Award, and she is set to receive the 2024 Pearl Meister Greengard Prize.

Future Directions in Diabetes Research

Stay tuned as Svetlana Mojsov continues her groundbreaking research, forging new paths in the fight against some of the most pressing health issues of our time!