Those honoured include Dr. Valentin Fuster and Peter Tontonoz
MUSCAT, OMAN: Prestigious international awards were presented to two global leaders in cardiovascular research for their groundbreaking work in atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease and a significant contributor to global death rates.
The Antonio M. Gotto, Jr. Prize in Atherosclerosis Research and the Jean-Charles Fruchart Prize in Nuclear Receptors and Atherosclerosis Research are awarded every three years by the International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS), a global network of the world’s leading atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease experts who collaborate to develop mission centered programming that spans geographical and generational boundaries.
Both awards were presented at the 20th International Symposium on Atherosclerosis (ISA 2024), IAS’ flagship triennial congress. The event welcomed more than 1,200 participants from 64 countries, with every IAS region represented. Oral presenters hailed from 28 countries while more than 200 e-posters were presented by authors from 41 countries.
Valentín Fuster, MD, PhD, was presented with the 5th Antonio M. Gotto, Jr. Prize. An internationally recognized scientific leader, Fuster is credited with expanded global understanding of the progression and prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly in the context of atherosclerosis. Further, Fuster’s groundbreaking research into the role of inflammation and thrombosis in atherosclerosis led to major advances in diagnosis and therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Accepting the award, Fuster said, “It’s an honour to win this award. I have the highest respect for Dr. Gotto and his contributions – not only in the field of lipidology, but also for his leadership in the world of health.
“The advances in medicine at all levels within the cardiovascular field we see today are exciting – but they are not in parallel with education and, as a result, mortality from cardiovascular diseases is increasing. We must pay more attention to education in cardiovascular health and in reducing lifestyle-associated risk factors, not only for adults, but in children as well. We have instituted programs toward this goal working with children around the world.”
Peter Tontonoz, MD, PhD, was awarded the Jean-Charles Fruchart Prize. Tontonoz is just the second person to win this award, and the first following Fruchart’s sudden passing in September 2024.
Tontonoz holds the Frances and Albert Piansky Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and of Biological Chemistry at the University of California Los Angeles. His pioneering research on nuclear receptors and their role in cardiovascular disease has revolutionized the world’s understanding of lipid metabolism and its links to cardiovascular disease. Tontonoz’s work has also provided insights into how nuclear receptors regulate lipid and cholesterol homeostasis, paving the way for new innovations and therapeutic avenues that could offer significant benefits to patients.
Accepting the award, Tontonoz said, “Having known Dr. Fruchart, and having been inspired by his work, this is incredibly meaningful. I’m deeply grateful to the International Atherosclerosis Society for this recognition.”
Alongside the Gotto and Fruchart awards, the National Lipid Association also presented the 5th Akira Endo Award for Achievements in the Development of Treatments to Prevent Atherosclerosis at ISA 2024 to Paul M. Ridker, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Commenting on the awards from ISA 2024, newly elected IAS President Dirk Blom, MBChB, MMed, FCP (SA), PhD, whose term begins in 2025, said, “It gives me great joy to see two global titans of research in atherosclerosis, Dr. Fuster and Dr. Tontonoz, be presented with these awards.
“During their presentation, I was reminded of the ongoing need for innovation and collaboration that is necessary to further our global fight against cardiovascular disease. It’s necessary to support researchers – those with years of experience and those just starting out – as all efforts that can advance our understanding of atherosclerosis and lead to the discovery of new medicines to treat it are valuable. As the world faces an escalating health crisis, the work of Dr. Fuster and Dr. Tontonoz should continue to inspire all of us.”
