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.

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

Three scientists whose work paved the way to the multibillion-dollar obesity drug boom have won the Lasker Award for “the discovery and development of GLP-1-based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity,

James Chen, a professor of microbiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has won a Lasker Award for his discovery of an enzyme involved in immune response.

DURBAN - South African epidemiologists Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim have been recognised for their life-saving work on HIV/AIDS. The two are this year’s recipients of the prestigious Lasker Award for public service.

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.