Scientist receives prestigious honour for diabetes research
Congratulations to Daniel J. Drucker, Senior Investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital, for being awarded the Banting Medal for Scientific Achievement. The award which recognizes Dr. Drucker’s significant and long-term contributions to the understanding, treatment, or prevention of diabetes will be presented at the American Diabetes Association's 74th Scientific Sessions on June 15, 2014.
Dr. Drucker is one of the leaders of an impressive diabetes research team at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum whose research papers attract more citations from other scientists than any other research institution in the world. “Most scientists would be delighted to have played a role in the development of one new drug, but Dan Drucker’s work has led to several new therapeutics for type-2 diabetes and one for short bowel syndrome,” says Dr. Jim Woodgett, director of the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute. “It’s fantastic that Dan has been recognized by the American Diabetes Association, both in recognition of his achievements and for shining a spotlight on the exceptional diabetes research and care at Mount Sinai Hospital."
About Dr. Drucker
A Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Senior Investigator at the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Dr. Drucker is known globally for his translational studies identifying fundamental aspects of gut hormone action, which have, remarkably, supported the development of three novel classes of medicines for the therapy of metabolic disorders.
Dr. Drucker's research encompasses a full spectrum of science from discovery through to clinical assessment, and his team has a sustained focus on understanding novel mechanisms relevant to the efficacy and safety of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 acts to breakdown GLP-1). His scientific discoveries have resulted in over 230 papers and 29 U.S. patents. In addition to supporting the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors, his research has led to the first long-term treatment for parenteral nutrition-dependent short bowel syndrome (teduglutide) that is enhancing the quality of life of thousands of patients by improving their ability to absorb nutrients.
