Professor Jens Juul Holst stands as a preeminent figure in metabolic medicine, renowned for his transformative contributions to understanding gut hormones and their therapeutic applications. He currently serves as Professor of Medical Physiology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and concurrently holds the position of Senior Group Leader at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research. After completing his medical degree at the University of Copenhagen in 1970, he earned his Doctor of Medical Sciences degree from the same institution in 1978, establishing the foundation for his distinguished career. His leadership extends to directing the Research Cluster for Diabetes and Obesity at the Faculty of Health Sciences since 2006 and serving as Scientific Director of the section for Translational Metabolic Physiology since 2010.
Dr. Holst's seminal discovery of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) as the gut hormone responsible for glucose-induced insulin secretion fundamentally transformed our understanding of metabolic regulation and diabetes pathophysiology. His pioneering research revealed GLP-1's dual role in regulating both blood glucose and appetite, laying the scientific groundwork for an entire class of diabetes medications that have revolutionized patient care worldwide. With an impressive H-index of 166 and over 119,000 citations across more than 1,900 publications, his work represents one of the most influential bodies of research in modern endocrinology. This extraordinary impact has directly contributed to the development of multiple GLP-1-based therapeutics that have dramatically improved outcomes for millions of patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. His scientific achievements also include the discovery of GLP-1 as a satiety hormone in humans through collaboration with Arne Astrup.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Holst has established himself as a visionary leader who consistently bridges basic research and clinical application through strategic entrepreneurship and collaboration. His co-founding of Antag Therapeutics and Bainan Biotech exemplifies his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits, with these ventures advancing novel treatments for metabolic disorders. The international scientific community has recognized his transformative contributions through numerous prestigious awards including the Canada Gairdner International Award, the Princess of Asturias Award, and the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences. Currently directing a major research group focused on obesity and type 2 diabetes, Dr. Holst continues to pioneer new frontiers in metabolic research, exploring the therapeutic potential of gut hormones for addressing the global epidemics of diabetes and obesity. His ongoing research maintains remarkable productivity with over 100 new publications in 2024 and 2025, demonstrating his continued leadership at the forefront of metabolic medicine.
