A LARGE study investigating the links between glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and a wide range of health outcomes has found a decreased risk for 42 health outcomes and an increased risk of 19.
GLP-1RAs - semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide - have gained popularity in the past several years due to their weight-loss benefits, and are also being researched for conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, osteoarthritis (PD 17 Jan) and sleep apnoea.
However, some cases of adverse events, such as suicidal ideation and gastrointestinal issues (including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea), have also been reported.
The current study was based on analyses of data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, and compared over 200,000 people with diabetes taking GLP-1RAs with over two million people with diabetes using other anti-hyperglycaemic medication.
They found that participants who used GLP-1RAs had a lower risk of coagulation and cardiometabolic disorders (such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, cardiac arrest, heart failure and myocardial infarction).
The authors also found evidence of new potential beneficial effects beyond those currently recognised, including associations with a lower risk of substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, neurocognitive disorders (including Alzheimer's disease and dementia), seizures, bacterial infections and pneumonia.
However, GLP-1RA use was also associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal conditions, such as nausea and vomiting, diverticulitis, gastritis and abdominal pain, as well as hypotension, syncope and musculoskeletal pain.
There was no increased risk of depression or suicide.
It should be noted that for non-diabetics taking GLP-1RAs for other reasons - most likely reducing body weight - the results of this study may not be applicable as the interaction of diabetes-related inflammation may be the reason for such wide-ranging effects.
The authors noted that their findings are observational and do not demonstrate causality, and need to be confirmed in cohort studies and clinical trials.
They also suggested that future studies should include more diverse cohorts, as data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs are predominantly from older, white men.
The study was published in Nature Medicine - read it HERE.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 23 Jan 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 23 Jan 25
