HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Neswire – 14 April 2025 – Together with world-renowned scientists including Prof. Joel F. Habener, Prof. Jens Juul Holst and Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Mojsov, Prof. Daniel Drucker at the University of Toronto and the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, has discovered the role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), leading to life-changing therapies for people with diabetes and obesity while stimulating emerging applications for neurodegenerative diseases. This groundbreaking innovation has garnered significant recognition for him and the GLP-1 research group, exemplified by the prestigious 2023 VinFuture Special Prize for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, and the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences, awarded earlier this April.
Prof. Daniel Drucker, 2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate for Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields, continues to receive recognition with the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences
In this interview, he reflects on the impact and influences of the VinFuture Prize on his further research, as well as the challenges and prospects of expanding GLP-1 accessibility. As global scientific recognition continues to evolve, he shares insights into the vital role of initiatives like the VinFuture Prize in inspiring the next generation of scientists.
VinFuture: Recognizing transformative science
The 2023 VinFuture Prize holds the distinction of being the first major international science and technology award to recognize and honor the scientists behind the discovery of the role of GLP-1. Following the VinFuture Prize, the GLP-1 research group has continuously received recognitions with numerous other prestigious accolades, including their listing among the 2024 Time 100 Most Influential People.
Reflecting on this, Prof. Drucker expressed deep appreciation, noting that these awards provide invaluable support in pushing the boundaries of scientific discovery.
“As the VinFuture Prize gains prominence, having GLP-1 science acknowledged as a recipient also helps elevate the global understanding of how it can transform healthcare,” he emphasized.
Continuing its commitment to recognizing impactful advancements, the 2024 VinFuture Prize honored innovators in the biomedical field for their development of CAR T-cell therapy for cancer and other diseases. According to Prof. Drucker, this innovation stands as “a remarkable example of how immunological science can revolutionize the treatment of many cancer types.”
“With the honoring of AI and CAR T cell therapy, the trends I observe are consistent with other international awards, where similar innovative themes are celebrated around the same time or within a few years. This alignment reinforces the importance of these breakthroughs.” Prof. Drucker commented.
Among the youngest international science-technology awards, now in its fifth year, the VinFuture Prize is steadily establishing its significance and reputation, evidenced by the increasing number of laureates continuing to receive recognition from prestigious international awards, most notably the Nobel Prize. Prominent examples include Dr. Katalin Karikó and Prof. Drew Weissman (Laureates of the 2021 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Dr. Demis Hassabis and Dr. John Jumper (Laureates of the 2022 VinFuture Special Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry), and Prof. Geoffrey Hinton (Laureate of the 2024 VinFuture Grand Prize and 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics).
“Despite being a relatively new award, the VinFuture Prize has done an exceptional job of highlighting high-quality science. The recognition of AI, coinciding with its recent recognition by the Nobel Prize, highlights its transformative impact on numerous aspects of society,” Prof. Drucker said. “So I think the VinFuture Prize council really has its finger on the leading edge of science in many areas.”
Beyond diabetes
2024 was a landmark year for GLP-1 research, with several exciting clinical trials demonstrating benefits extending far beyond obesity to include the treatment of patients with heart disease, obstructive sleep apnea, and knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, Prof. Drucker hinted at early promising results for patients with metabolic liver disease and noted ongoing studies exploring GLP-1’s effects on Alzheimer’s disease, with results expected soon.
“The continuous wave of new findings will provide deeper insights into the full potential of GLP-1-based therapies.” Prof. Drucker commented, stating that each study will contribute to refining our understanding of this science.
Furthermore, Prof. Drucker highlighted GLP-1’s neurological effects and its potential clinical application in addressing mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors. He noted that preliminary, early-stage trials with small patient groups investigating GLP-1’s potential in reducing cravings and treating addiction-related disorders have yielded promising initial results.
“Several academic research centers are actively studying GLP-1’s effects on substance use disorders, and major pharmaceutical companies such as Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have begun clinical trials to explore these applications further.” Prof. Drucker shared, “It will likely take 12 to 18 months before we gain a clearer picture of whether these medicines can be clinically effective in helping individuals reduce or quit substance use.”
Prof. Drucker also highlighted compelling research indicating GLP-1’s interaction with the brain, extends beyond appetite regulation, suggesting a range of potential therapeutic applications.
“Ongoing trials are underway in people with substance use disorders, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabinoids, and opioids, conditions for which existing medicines are not always very effective.” He elaborated, “We have trials underway for Alzheimer’s disease with oral semaglutide, which are expected to conclude by the end of 2025. These investigations will significantly enhance our understanding of GLP-1’s neurological impact and potential clinical applications.”
Overcome barriers to maximize impact
Despite the global excitement for the “Ozempic era”, there are many challenges hindering the widespread impact for GLP-1 medicines. These include the current high cost and limited accessibility of the treatments, the reliance on primarily two main drug options (semaglutide and tirzepatide), and the practical limitations of refrigeration and pen-based delivery for most formulations, as Prof. Drucker pointed out.
“A key priority is the democratization of these treatments so that everyone who could benefit from them has access. To achieve this, we are working on small-molecule pills that are easier to manufacture and should be more affordable.” He explained.
Prof. Drucker anticipated that increased competition in the GLP-1 market will lead to lower prices, development of newer versions that are easier to use, including once-monthly injections, thereby improving accessibility and convenience for millions worldwide.
“Most initial launches have occurred in countries with well-established healthcare and reimbursement systems. Only now are we seeing manufacturing capacity expand enough to increase availability, but costs remain a significant barrier.” He stated, emphasizing the critical need to advance these medicines not only to enhance their efficacy in areas like weight loss and cardiovascular health but also to make them more convenient to take, more affordable, and more broadly accessible to patients globally.
Another major challenge that Prof. Drucker identified is determining the appropriate dosage for extending the therapeutic applications of GLP-1 to conditions beyond diabetes and obesity. While the dosage effective for weight loss may not be suitable for other disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, alcohol use disorder, anxiety, or depression, understanding the dose-response relationship for these conditions requires time and further investigation.
Additionally, research is underway to reduce adverse effects, making GLP-1 treatments safer and more comfortable for patients. Prof. Drucker elaborated, “One key strategy is starting patients on very low doses and gradually increasing them to minimize side effects. Additionally, some companies are researching ways to reduce further adverse effects, such as developing co-formulated anti-nausea compounds to improve tolerability.”
Future research for GLP-1 therapies presents numerous possibilities; however, the translation from research to clinical application for neurodegenerative and substance use disorder treatments still presents unmet needs with a lack of evidence for progress. According to Prof. Drucker, with clinical trials underway, they may yield valuable insights within the next 12 to 24 months regarding the potential extension of GLP-1 therapy benefits from glucose control to complex disorders of the central nervous system.
He identified, “The key lies in understanding how to effectively engage the brain, identifying which regions can respond to GLP-1 signaling, and how to optimize that communication.”
In conclusion, Prof. Drucker highlighted the promising contemporary landscape of scientific research, emphasizing the crucial need to inspire the next generation to embrace science and pursue research careers. In this context, the 2023 VinFuture Special Prize Laureate commended the VinFuture Prize for its valuable contribution in motivating individuals within the scientific community and engaging younger generations in science.
“When we visited Vietnam, we met with many young scientists, and I was impressed by VinFuture’s strong efforts to inspire and connect with them. I encourage VinFuture to continue and expand these efforts because investing in young talent is the key to a future filled with groundbreaking innovations.” He stated.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
VinFuture
The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide.
The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Submit your nominations here: https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/. Outstanding nominators will be honored through the VinFuture Nominator Recognition Program.The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring Women Innovators, Innovators from Developing Countries, and Innovators with Outstanding Achievements in Emerging Fields.
In Support of “One Country, Two Systems” Promoting the Core Values of Patriotism
MACAU, CHINA – Media OutReach – 22 July 2020
– Alvin Chau, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Suncity Group, together with Gina
Lei, Senior Vice President of Corporate & Community Relations of Suncity
Group and other delegates, paid a visit to the Liaison Office of the Central
People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region on July 21, and
was warmly received by officials including Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the
Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special
Administrative Region, Chen Guokai, Director General of Economic Affairs
Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the
Macao Special Administrative Region, Dai Ruming, Deputy Director General of the
Social Work Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government
in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and Zuo Xianghua, Director of
Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s
Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region.
Alvin Chau, Chief Executive Officer and
Director of Suncity Group, together with delegates, paid a visit to the Liaison
Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative
Region and was warmly received by Yao Jian, Deputy Director of the Liaison
Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative
Region, with Chen Guokai, Director General of Economic Affairs Department of
the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special
Administrative Region, Dai Ruming, Deputy Director General of the Social Work
Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the
Macao Special Administrative Region, and Zuo Xianghua, Director of Economic
Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in
the Macao Special Administrative Region also in the meeting.
As a token of appreciation, Alvin Chau
received the Certificate of Donation from the Liaison Office of the Central
People’s Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region for his effort
in this fight against the pandemic.
Deputy Director Yao expressed welcome
and, as a token of appreciation, presented a Certificate of Donation to Suncity
Group for the Group’s effort and contributions in the fight against the
pandemic. He re-affirmed the Group’s swift response as the Group dedicated its
effort through a series of donations, showing the patriotic spirit of Macao
compatriots. As the anti-pandemic measures have become a new normal, it becomes
even more important for Suncity Group to strengthen itself and contribute its
effort towards the city.
Alvin Chau stated
that as a Macau enterprise dedicated to charity and community affairs,
patriotism is part of Suncity Group’s core value. And in the face of the
pandemic, it is essential that the Group, adhering to President Xi’s call on
entrepreneurs, takes on its social responsibilities and support the country and
the Special Administrative Region in implementing the anti-pandemic measures.
Facing the new normal, Suncity Group is confident that together with the Macau
society, we will surely emerge victorious and, staying true to the core value
of patriotism and support for “One Country, Two Systems”, contribute to the
prosperity of Macao and the Chinese nation.
Since the early stages of the pandemic, under the
coordination of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in
the Macao Special Administrative Region, Suncity Group donated to Hubei
Province MOP 30 million to purchase urgently needed medical resources for Wuhan
hospitals, such as medical equipment, reagents, medicines, protective
equipment, decontamination equipment, especially consumables such as masks that
a large amount are required. In addition, to relieve the scarcity of protective
masks for frontline officers on vital posts, Suncity Group purchased 20,000
surgical masks, which are donated to Immigration and Customs officers at Hong
Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge checkpoints. In the name of himself, Alvin Chau
donated, through the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in
the Macao Special Administrative Region, another MOP 30 million and about
60,000 respirators to Hubei Province in support of the country’s anti-pandemic
measures. As a gesture of gratitude, Alvin Chau received the Certificate of
Donation from the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao Special
Administrative Region for his effort in this fight against the pandemic.
High-resolution
images can be downloaded in the gallery:
Suncity
Group was founded in 2007. Since establishment, Suncity Group has been striving
to provide the extraordinary VIP entertainment service for our guests, and we
then opened a number of VIP Clubs in various 6-star hotels and resorts
throughout Macau with the rapid growth of our business. Meanwhile, we
successively set up exclusive VIP Clubs in Manila, Seoul, Incheon, Phnom Penh
and Da Nang, etc.
Adhering to
the spirit of “Innovating With Diversity, Striving For Success”, Suncity Group
spared no effort to develop high-end entertainment services and products as
well as roll out global VIP loyalty program for the selected members to enjoy
entertainment, travel, catering services, luxury shopping and motion picture.
Today, the scope of our business covers most sectors, especially in the fields
of global travel, film production, concert and event planning, catering and
luxury goods.
As a Macau
born and bred enterprise, Suncity Group is not only devoted to develop the
Asian market, but also oriented to expand the global network. In the future, we
will surely continue to diversify our VIP entertainment services, attract more
exclusive members and make every effort to promote our business in every corner
of the world.
https://vinfutureprize.org/vinfuture-prize-nomination/
