History of GLP 1 Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medications developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, now they are approved for the treatment of obesity without diabetes. These drugs are changing the landscape of obesity treatment. Everyone knows someone that has taken or is currently taking Ozempic. The generic name is Semaglutide. For obesity, it is marketed under the brand name Wegovy.

Rarely has a drug generated as much excitement within the medical community as SEMAGLUTIDE.

Semaglutide is Ozempic.

Semaglutide is Wegovy.

The difference is in the branding and dosing, otherwise, it is the same medication.

Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of GLP-1, a natural hormone produced in the intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The history of GLP-1 agonists is relatively recent, dating back to the late 20th century. In case you are concerned about long term effects, this short history will reassure you that GLP 1 agonists have been studied quite extensively, and we have used this class of drugs for several years.

Here’s a brief history of GLP-1 agonists:

1. Discovery of GLP-1: GLP-1 was first discovered in the early 1980s. Scientists found that it played a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion from the pancreas and inhibiting glucagon release, both of which lower blood glucose levels.
2. Early research: In the 1990s, researchers began exploring ways to utilize GLP-1 as a potential treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, there was a challenge in using native GLP-1 because it is rapidly broken down in the body by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This led to the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists that are resistant to DPP-4 degradation.
3. Development of Exenatide: One of the first GLP-1 receptor agonists to be developed and approved for use was Exenatide, sold under the brand name Byetta. It received FDA approval in 2005. Exenatide is a synthetic version of a protein found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard, and it has a longer duration of action than native GLP-1.
4. Further development and approvals: After the success of Exenatide, several other GLP-1 agonists were developed and approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These include Liraglutide (Victoza), Dulaglutide (Trulicity), Albiglutide (Tanzeum), and Semaglutide (Ozempic), among others. These medications have varying dosing frequencies, such as daily, weekly, or monthly injections, making them convenient options for patients.
5. Cardiovascular benefits: Beyond their glucose-lowering effects, some GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in clinical trials, including a reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. These findings have expanded the use of GLP-1 agonists in diabetes management.
6. Obesity- these have become blockbuster drugs for the management of obesity. Obesity treatments have been challenging, however, approval of Semaglutide or Wegovy, is a huge step in treatment of obesity.

In summary, the history of GLP-1 agonists is a relatively recent one, with the development of these medications beginning in the late 20th century. They have since become important tools in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and now approved for treatment of obesity in those without diabetes.