Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists or incretin mimetics are agonists of the GLP-1 receptor. This class of drugs is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. One of their advantages over older insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides, is that they have a lower risk of causing hypoglycemia.
There is some dispute over the safety profile of these drugs due to proliferative effects in the pancreas. Diabetes is associated with both acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. While some recent studies have not found that these drugs can cause either pancreatitis or cancer, a 2017 study found that recent prescription of incretins was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer over non-insulin anti diabetic drugs (NIADs).
Approved GLP-1 agonists:
- exenatide (Byetta/Bydureon), approved in 2005/2012
- liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), approved 2010
- lixisenatide (Lyxumia), approved in 2016
- albiglutide (Tanzeum), approved in 2014 by GSK
- dulaglutide (Trulicity), approved in 2014--manufactured by Eli Lilly
- semaglutide (Ozempic), approved in 2017.
Under investigation:
- taspoglutide, phase III halted Sept 2010
These agents work in the same pathway as DPP-4 inhibitors but are generally considered more potent.
As of 2017 it is unclear if they affect a person's risk of death.
Video Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
References
Source of article : Wikipedia