From the Research
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Availability
- The first GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, was approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2005 1.
- Since then, several other GLP-1 receptor agonists have been developed and approved, including lixisenatide, liraglutide, albiglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide 2, 3.
- As of 2021, GLP-1 receptor agonists have been available on the market for approximately 16 years 1.
- The duration of availability of GLP-1 receptor agonists has allowed for the development of different formulations, including twice-daily, once-daily, and once-weekly injections, as well as an oral preparation of semaglutide 1, 4.
Key Characteristics of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- GLP-1 receptor agonists are classified as short-acting or long-acting, depending on their duration of action 2.
- They share common mechanisms of action, including augmentation of hyperglycemia-induced insulin secretion, suppression of glucagon secretion, and deceleration of gastric emptying 1, 5.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels, promoting weight loss, and preventing cardiovascular events 1, 2, 5.