Last reviewed · How we verify
GLP-1 receptor agonist
GLP-1 receptor agonists activate glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying, thereby lowering blood glucose levels.
GLP-1 receptor agonists activate glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors to stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. Used for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease.
At a glance
| Generic name | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
|---|---|
| Also known as | semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, GLP-1 agonists |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Target | GLP-1R |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Diabetes |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
GLP-1 receptor agonists bind to and activate GLP-1 receptors on pancreatic beta cells, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion. They simultaneously inhibit glucagon secretion from alpha cells and delay gastric emptying, reducing postprandial glucose spikes. These agents also promote satiety and weight loss through central nervous system effects.
Approved indications
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Hypoglycemia
Key clinical trials
- A Study of a Weight Loss Intervention in People With Endometrial Cancer (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Study of Olatorepatide in Adult Participants Living With Overweight or Obesity in the US (PHASE2)
- Effect of Agonist GLP1 on Adipose Tissue in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery (NA)
- Semaglutide Use in Acute Pulmonary Embolism
- Effect of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Body Composition in Obesity: The Role of Dietary Protein Consumption in Muscle Mass Maintenance (NA)
- IMPACT-MACS: Adrenalectomy vs Semaglutide for Metabolic Outcomes in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion (NA)
- Proof-of-Concept Study Evaluating Total Body Weight, Physical Function & Safety of Enobosarm in Patients Treated With GLP-1 Receptor Agonist, for Weight Loss (PHASE2)
- Safety and Efficacy of NA-931 and Tirzepatide in Adults Who Are Overweight or Obese (PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- GLP-1 receptor agonist CI brief — competitive landscape report
- GLP-1 receptor agonist updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Brigham and Women's Hospital portfolio CI