Glucagon-like peptide agonists: A prospective review

Abstract

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have emerged as promising therapeutic options for addressing Type-2 diabetes, obesity, and related conditions. Among these, semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide etc., all notable GLP-1RA, have gained attention owing to their favourable pharmacological properties and clinical efficacy.

Aims: This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed analysis of both the currently available GLP-1RAs in the market and those undergoing clinical trials. The focus is on examining their mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy in glycemic control and weight management, safety profile, and potential applications.

Materials & methods: The review employs a systematic approach to gather information on GLP-1RAs. Relevant literature from the currently literature and ongoing clinical trials is thoroughly examined. Detailed scrutiny is applied to understand the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical outcomes of these agents.

Results: The review presents a comprehensive overview of the GLP-1RAs, highlighting their distinct mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic profiles, and clinical effectiveness in glycemic control and weight management. Safety profiles are also discussed, providing a holistic understanding of these therapeutic agents.

Discussion: The findings are discussed in the context of advancements in the field of GLP-1RAs. Potential applications beyond diabetes and obesity are explored, shedding light on the broader implications of these agents in managing related conditions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of GLP-1RAs, with a specific focus on semaglutide, in the management of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and beyond. By synthesizing information on their mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety, this review provides valuable insights into the potential benefits these agents offer, contributing to the ongoing discourse in the field.

Keywords: GLP-1; GLP-2; cancer; diabetes; glucagon; hormones; neurological disorders.

FIGURE 1

Functions of GLP‐1 [By Lthoms11—Own work, CC BY‐SA 4.0, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=55236027].

FIGURE 2

GLP‐1 and diabetes. [By Clinical Cases, Ilmari Karonen ‐ Drawn in Inkscape by Ilmari Karonen based on w:Image:Incretins and DPP 4 inhibitors.jpg from http://casesblog.blogspot.com/2006/11/dpp‐4‐inhibitors‐for‐treatment‐of.html (uploaded by author), CC BY‐SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1540751].

FIGURE 3

GLP‐1 Sequences [Benff, CC BY‐SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by‐sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons].

FIGURE 4

GLP‐2 and its analogue teduglutides sequence alignment to present sequence similarity.

FIGURE 5

Distribution of Clinical Studies on GLP1RAs across Phases 1 to 3 (left to right).