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Canadian Researcher Honored with Breakthrough Prize for Life-changing Discoveries
Dr. Daniel Drucker, an esteemed endocrinology researcher from the University of Toronto, has been awarded the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for his pivotal role in the discovery of the GLP-1 hormone. This hormone forms the basis of various medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which have significantly impacted the lives of millions managing diabetes and obesity globally.
With a distinguished career spanning four decades, Drucker has dedicated himself to understanding the hormone’s mechanisms, particularly its effectiveness in promoting weight loss and boosting insulin production to combat diabetes.
This prestigious award comes with a three million dollar prize, which Drucker shares with fellow researchers from the United States and Denmark who have also contributed to the development of GLP-1 treatments.
Expressing his gratitude, Drucker highlighted the rewarding nature of his work, which has translated into life-enhancing medications for those struggling with obesity. He noted that recent findings suggest GLP-1 drugs may also lower the risks of heart attacks, strokes, and mortality due to cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to cardiovascular benefits, Drucker mentioned exciting ongoing research indicating that GLP-1 medications might reduce inflammation and have potential therapeutic applications for conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
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The Breakthrough Prizes, often heralded as the “Oscars of Science,” were recently conferred during a ceremony in Los Angeles. The Breakthrough Foundation, which organizes these awards, states that they were established to “celebrate the wonders of our scientific age.”
In addition to Drucker, another notable Canadian, Maaike van Kooten from National Research Council Canada, received a US$100,000 prize for her collaborative advancements in optics for exoplanet observation.
Before the awards ceremony, Drucker remarked on the significance of the prize, noting that it is awarded by peers in the scientific community, thus garnering substantial attention. “Awards like this serve to inspire students and trainees, signaling that the world acknowledges and values their work. This is crucial for fostering morale among young researchers,” he stated.
Drucker’s journey began in the 1980s when he studied genetic sequences of glucagon-like peptides in a Boston lab. He later returned to Canada, continuing his impactful research at the University of Toronto.
Source
globalnews.ca