Svetlana Mojsov, 'mother of Ozempic', meets colleagues and young scientists in Ohrid

Svetlana Mojsov, a Rockefeller University professor born in Skopje, spoke this week at the Congress of Chemists and Technologists in Ohrid about the laboratory discoveries that opened the path to new therapies for diabetes and obesity.

From lab synthesis to medicines

Mojsov — who grew up in Belgrade because of her father Lazar Mojsov’s work — traveled to Ohrid to address colleagues and students, and to share the scientific story behind treatments now used around the world. She declined requests for a one-on-one interview but presented her research from the congress platform.

Speaking in Macedonian at the opening of the congress, she said: "Many thanks, that is all I can say, thank you for inviting me to open this congress in Ohrid. My favorite city, I have many friends here and I am very pleased to be at this congress. The rest will be in English."

Mojsov described how her doctoral work focused on developing an efficient synthetic strategy to make glucagon and glucagon analogues — and later a still more efficient approach with Dr. Merrifield — with the goal of producing high yields and purity for compounds that later became the basis of new therapies.

Colleagues at the congress praised the practical impact of that research and its inspirational value for young scientists. "That discovery is one of the rare ones people talk about even at dinner or over coffee. It is proof that fundamental science really can change the world and help people be healthier," said Dejan Mirakovski, rector of Goce Delchev University (UGD).

Rubin Gulaboski, a UGD professor, added: "The honour of being in the company of one of the humblest and best scientists, one of the hundred most influential people according to Time magazine, is an invaluable experience for us all."

Jasmina Petreska-Stanoeva, one of the event organisers and professor at the Institute of Chemistry at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM), said she had collaborated with Mojsov on projects involving women in science and that Mojsov’s presence raised the level of the congress. She also suggested that Mojsov’s work extends beyond Ozempic and obesity into other areas of medicine and expressed a hope she might one day win a Nobel Prize.

Students attending this year’s congress had the chance to speak directly with Mojsov. Anastasia Hadzhismileva, president of the Association of Young Chemists, said the students were excited to discuss the challenges of research and to learn how Mojsov overcame doubts and obstacles during her career.

About two hundred participants are taking part in the congress, which covers biochemistry, electrochemistry, pharmacy and environmental protection, and runs through September 26.

After Ohrid, Mojsov will travel to Skopje where President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova will present her with the Order "8 September". On Monday she will give a public lecture at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MANU) as an external member, and Ss. Cyril and Methodius University will formally name her an honorary professor — a sequence of events recognising a scientist who has received wide international acclaim.

Photo: press material from the event