Introduction:

The Lasker Award, often regarded as America’s most prestigious biomedical research accolade, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of diseases. Established in 1945, this award highlights the transformative impact of innovative research on public health and encourages the pursuit of scientific excellence. In this article, we delve into the history of the Lasker Award, its notable recipients, and the profound influence it has had on advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes. 

cGAS enzyme that senses self and foreign DNA

For the discovery of the cGAS enzyme that senses foreign and self DNA, solving the mystery of how DNA stimulates immune and inflammatory responses

The 2024 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award honors a scientist for the discovery of the cGAS enzyme that senses foreign and self DNA. With original thinking and tour-de-force experimentation, Zhijian “James” Chen (UT Southwestern Medical Center) solved the mystery of how DNA stimulates immune and inflammatory responses. cGAS underpins a major mechanism by which mammals combat microbial invaders and it fosters antitumor immunity. In certain physiological settings, inappropriate cGAS activity contributes to autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The enzyme provides a pharmaceutical target for diverse human maladies, and the signaling molecule that it generates holds promise for fighting infectious diseases and cancer.

GLP-1-based therapy for obesity

For the discovery and development of GLP-1-based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity

The 2024 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award honors three scientists for their discovery and development of GLP-1-based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity. Joel Habener (Massachusetts General Hospital) and Svetlana Mojsov (The Rockefeller University) discerned the physiologically active form of the hormone, and Lotte Bjerre Knudsen (Novo Nordisk) turned it into medications that promote weight loss.

Globally, almost 900 million adults are living with obesity. In the United States, it afflicts as many as 40% of adults; in Europe the prevalence approaches 25%. The excess pounds underlie multiple life-threatening conditions. Obesity is commonly viewed as a failure of willpower, yet for many, diet and exercise don’t cure the problem. Historically, attempts to make safe and effective drugs that help people slim down have fallen short. Habener, Mojsov, and Knudsen have introduced a new era of weight management in which GLP-1-based pharmaceuticals promise to dramatically enhance health.

Innovations in HIV prevention, treatment, and advocacy

For illuminating key drivers of heterosexual HIV transmission; introducing life-saving approaches to prevent and treat HIV; and statesmanship in public health policy and advocacy

The 2024 Lasker~Bloomberg Public Service Award honors Quarraisha and Salim S. Abdool Karim (CAPRISA and Columbia University), for illuminating key drivers of heterosexual HIV transmission and introducing life-saving approaches to prevent and treat HIV. The prize further recognizes them for their statesmanship in public health policy and their advocacy. The Abdool Karims have influenced AIDS programs across the globe and they have played pivotal roles in developing South Africa’s scientific capacity. Throughout their careers, they have championed science and its potential to benefit the world’s citizens.

Growing up under apartheid in South Africa, Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim gained a deep grasp of how societal inequities undermine health, education, and quality of life. Discrimination and segregation had limited their educational choices, and they recognized the broader effects as well. Drawn to correct wrongs, they have consistently juggled professional advancement with activism.