After studies in biology and chemistry, Dr. Peter Lakatos finished medical school at the Semmelweis University, Budapest, in 1981. He
started his medical career at the 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University. Between 1989 and 1992, he worked with Prof. Paula Stern at the Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, studying intracellular signal transduction in bone cells.
After that, he returned to the Semmelweis University but remained a faculty member at the Northwestern University until 1998. Currently, he is a full professor of medicine and endocrinology, as well as head of the Molecular Research Laboratory at the 1st Department of Medicine, Semmelweis University. Dr. Lakatos and his research group have actively participated in the development and introduction of biochemical and densitometric methods in the management and research of osteoporosis.
In the 80’s, he developed an osteocalcin radioimmunoassay among the first. He directs basic and clinical research programs in the field of metabolic bone diseases with a special interest for osteoporosis and thyroid hormone-stimulated bone loss. During the last decade, his major interest lies in the genetic background of metabolic bone diseases as well as in the role of calcium in cancer development. Dr. Lakatos also conducts drug development studies. He has authored more than 280 full length scientific articles and book chapters. Among others, Dr. Lakatos acted as the President of the Hungarian Society for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthrology (1999–2005) and board member of the European Society for Calcified Tissues (1997–2007).