The pioneering scientist whose foundational research led to a new generation of blockbuster weight-loss and diabetes drugs has received one of the world's most prestigious academic honors. Professor Svetlana Mojsov of Rockefeller University in New York has been named the 2026 laureate for the King Faisal Prize in Medicine.
Award Recognizes Transformative Medical Discovery
The award, announced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on January 7, 2026, honors Mojsov for her groundbreaking work on the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Her discoveries have fundamentally reshaped the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, conditions affecting hundreds of millions globally.
Professor Mojsov is credited with discovering and characterizing the biologically active form of GLP-1, a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Her critical research identified GLP-1 receptors in key organs like the pancreas, heart, and brain. Through advanced biochemical studies, she demonstrated how this hormone stimulates insulin secretion while simultaneously reducing hunger.
From Lab Research to Life-Changing Therapies
This foundational science directly enabled the development of an entirely new class of medications that mimic GLP-1's effects. Professor Mojsov is listed as a co-inventor on the patents for the use of GLP-1, which were licensed to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk.
Her work led to the creation of breakthrough drugs now known worldwide under brand names like Victoza, Ozempic, and Rybelsus. The first of these, Victoza, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval in 2010 and was based directly on the GLP-1 sequence Mojsov identified.
These medications work by copying the natural hormone: they help release insulin, slow digestion, and reduce appetite by acting on the brain's hunger centers. They represent a paradigm shift in managing a global health crisis. According to the World Health Organization, obesity affected 890 million adults and 160 million children and adolescents in 2022 alone.
Celebrating Excellence in Science and Mathematics
The 48th session of the King Faisal Prize also honored other eminent figures. The Prize in Science in the field of Mathematics was awarded to Professor Carlos Kenig for his revolutionary work in understanding nonlinear partial differential equations. Additional laureates were recognized for their contributions to Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic Studies, and Serving Islam.
Professor Mojsov's accolade adds to a growing list of prestigious honors, including the Lasker Award, Tang Prize, and Breakthrough Prize. She was also named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2024. Her journey from basic scientific research to therapies impacting millions worldwide underscores the profound real-world impact of dedicated academic inquiry.
