GLP-1 receptor agonist
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1 analogs, GLP-1DAs or incretin mimetics,
GLP-1 agonists were initially developed for
Mechanism of action
GLP-1 agonists work by activating the
Indications
Type 2 diabetes
GLP-1 agonists were developed initially for
A 2021 meta-analysis found a 12 percent reduction in all-cause mortality when GLP-1 analogs are used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as well as significant improvements in cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
GLP-1 agonists are not FDA approved for type 1 diabetes, but can be used off-label in addition to insulin to help type 1 diabetes patients improve their body weight and glucose control.[6]
Cardiovascular disease
GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated a cardioprotective effect when used to treat obesity.[12]
Obesity
GLP-1 agonists are recommended as an add-on therapy to lifestyle intervention (calorie restriction and exercise) in people with a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity.[13] Although some GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide are more effective than other weight loss drugs, they are still less effective than bariatric surgery in causing weight loss.[14] The weight reduction effects of GLP-1 agonists come from a combination of peripheral effects as well as activity in the brain via the central nervous system.[15]
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
GLP-1 agonists are being studied for the treatment of
Polycystic ovary syndrome
GLP-1 agonists are recommended as a treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, alone or in combination with metformin. The combination therapy has shown greater efficacy in improving body weight, insulin sensitivity, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual cycle irregularities.[18] This usage is off label.[19]
Depression
GLP-1 agonists have shown
Reward system disorders
GLP-1 agonists are under development for substance use disorder, a condition with few pharmacological treatment options. They reduce the self-administered intake of drugs and alcohol in non-human animals, although this effect has not been proven in humans. The mechanism of this addiction-reducing effect is unknown.[22] GLP-1 agonists are also under investigation for the treatment of binge eating disorder, which is the most common eating disorder.[23][24]
Adverse effects
The most common adverse effects of GLP-1 agonists are gastrointestinal.[13] These adverse effects limit the maximum tolerated dose and require gradual dose escalation.[25] Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are all commonly reported.[13] Nausea is directly related to the serum concentration of the GLP-1 agonist and is reported in up to three-quarters of people using short-acting GLP-1 agonists but in fewer of those using long-acting agonists. Reactions at the injection site are also common, especially with shorter acting drugs.[26]
Human trials and meta-analyses have found no association between the drugs and
Like insulin, GLP-1 agonists can cause or exacerbate
Patients who take glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists may be at increased risk of aspiration during anesthesia, due to delayed gastric emptying, according to case reports. In 2023, the American Society of Anesthesiologists suggested holding the GLP-1 agonists on the day of the procedure/surgery or a week prior.[27]
As of March 2024, there are 58 personal injury lawsuits for gastroparesis, ileus and intestinal blockage or obstruction in MDL 3094 before Judge Gene E.K. Pratter in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.[28]
Drug delivery
Native GLP-1 is a peptide hormone with a
Cost
GLP-1 agonists are more expensive than other treatments for type 2 diabetes. A study compared the cost effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists to
Approved
- exenatide (brand names Byetta and Bydureon, manufactured by AstraZeneca), approved in 2005/2012
- liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for obesity, manufactured by Novo Nordisk), approved in 2010[34]
- GSK), approved in 2014[35]
- dulaglutide (Trulicity, manufactured by Eli Lilly), approved in 2014[36]
- lixisenatide (Lyxumia in Europe, Adlyxin in the United States, manufactured by Sanofi), approved in 2016[37]
- semaglutide (Ozempic and Rybelsus for diabetes, Wegovy for obesity, manufactured by Novo Nordisk), approved in 2017[38]
- tirzepatide (dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist; Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for obesity, manufactured by Eli Lilly), approved in 2022[39]
Combination and multiple target drugs
Some GLP-1 agonists, such as
GLP-1 agonists are available as combination medications with insulin to treat type 2 diabetes, although it is unclear whether these combination formulas offer an advantage over dosing insulin and GLP-1 agonists separately.
Off-label and recreational use
Besides their medical uses, GLP-1 agonists are also sought by many people for cosmetic weight loss, popularized by
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- ^ "FDA approves Trulicity to treat type 2 diabetes" (Press release). Food and Drug Administration. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 18 September 2014.
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