Egyptian Scientist Receives Great Arab Minds Award 2025 in Medicine
Egypt’s Nabil Seidah honored for pioneering work on cholesterol regulation and heart disease prevention with the Great Arab Minds Award 2025.
Egyptian-born scientist Dr. Nabil Seidah has been named the winner of the Great Arab Minds Award 2025 in Medicine for his pioneering scientific contributions to heart health and the regulation of cholesterol.
Dr. Seidah, who serves as the Director of the Biochemical Neuroendocrinology Research Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) in Canada, was recognised for his groundbreaking research into the biological processes that control how the body handles fats — work that has helped shape the development of a new generation of widely used cholesterol-lowering medications.
His achievements focus on improving the understanding of heart disease risks by studying how cholesterol is regulated in the body. A central breakthrough in his career was the discovery of the PCSK9 enzyme, which plays a critical role in controlling “bad” LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. This discovery has enabled the development of PCSK9 inhibitors, a class of drugs that have become important tools in lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes worldwide.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated Dr. Seidah on his award, noting that the Arab world has a long history of progress in medical science and that exceptional Arab talent continues to make significant contributions to global healthcare.
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Seidah has published more than 820 scientific papers, with his research cited over 71,000 times, reflecting the profound influence of his work across medical science.
In addition to heart health and cholesterol regulation, his research has advanced understanding in areas including fatty liver disease, obesity, cancer, and the mechanisms of viral entry into cells, supporting the development of new treatments in multiple medical fields.
The Great Arab Minds initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed, honours outstanding Arab innovators and thinkers across several disciplines, highlighting their role as inspirational figures and role models for future generations.
Dr. Seidah’s recognition in 2025 further underscores the impact of Arab scientists on global research and health outcomes, celebrating a lifetime of achievements that continue to improve lives around the world.