The Scientific Journey Behind Ozempic (with Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Novo Nordisk's Chief Scientific Advisor)
Mar 6, 2024
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Dive into the fascinating world of Ozempic's scientific journey with Novo Nordisk's chief scientific advisor. Learn about the science behind weight loss on Ozempic, the 90s belief in a groundbreaking drug, and weight loss as a primary goal from the start. Explore the challenges and innovations in developing pharmaceutical technologies and the mechanisms of GOP one agents for diabetes and weight loss.
GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide work by increasing insulin levels and lowering glucagon levels for blood glucose control.
Innovative chemical engineering efforts led to the development of Semaglutide with an extended half-life and increased weight loss outcomes.
The success of developing GLP-1 agonists for weight loss and diabetes treatment was driven by perseverance, belief in data, and challenging industry norms.
Deep dives
The Science behind GLP1 Agonists for Weight Loss and Diabetes Treatment
GLP1 agonists like Lira Glutide and Semaglutide work by increasing insulin levels and lowering glucagon levels, thereby reducing blood glucose. They also slow down food absorption in the intestine, helping to stabilize blood glucose levels after eating. Additionally, these medications help individuals consume fewer calories, leading to weight loss. The availability of Semaglutide once weekly injection provided a longer-lasting effect with doubled weight loss outcomes by reducing energy intake compared to Lira Glutide.
Innovative Chemical Engineering for Long-Lasting GLP1 Agonists
The development of Semaglutide involved innovative chemical engineering efforts by experts like Balau, Thomas Cruz, and Powell Block. The goal was to enhance stickiness to albumin, leading to an extended half-life of up to 160 hours when compared to the 12-hour half-life of Lira Glutide. Unexpectedly, this modification not only prolonged the medication's effectiveness but also increased weight loss outcomes due to improved brain access.
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Success in Pharmaceutical Innovation
Despite initial skepticism about pursuing weight loss indications within the company, Lata Bier Knudsen and her team persevered. The supportive Scandinavian work culture, the commitment to challenging the norm, and the unwavering belief in the science and data propelled the successful development and market launch of GLP1 agonists for weight loss and diabetes treatment. The slow, steady progress over decades culminated in groundbreaking medications that positively impact individuals' health and quality of life.
Evolving Pharmaceutical Research with AI and Collaborative Efforts
The integration of Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized pharmaceutical research, enabling comprehensive pattern analysis, streamlined decision-making, and enhanced data interpretation. Collaborative teamwork, coupled with cutting-edge technology, has accelerated drug development processes, driving innovation and efficiency in creating life-changing medications like Semaglutide and Lira Glutide.
Personal Resilience and Professional Dedication in Transformative Medical Discoveries
Lata Bier Knudsen's remarkable journey reflects the intersection of personal resilience, scientific passion, and exceptional teamwork in achieving transformative medical discoveries. Her unwavering commitment to pursuing innovative solutions, challenging industry norms, and prioritizing patient impact showcases the enduring impact of dedication and belief in advancing medical science for the betterment of global health.
On our Novo Nordisk episode, we covered the business of Ozempic, the GLP-1 taking the world by storm. On this episode, we dive into the science of the molecule semaglutide (and its predecessor liraglutide) with the world expert on the topic, Lotte Bjerre Knudsen. Lotte is Novo Nordisk’s Chief Scientific Advisor, and led the research group back in the early 1990s that first invented the molecule. A few topics from our conversation:
The science behind what is happening in the body that causes weight loss while on Ozempic
What it was like in the 1990s and 2000s believing in a drug for a problem that the rest of the industry (including her own company) had written off
How weight loss was actually a goal from the very start — not just a side effect of diabetes medication like you often read today!