Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management, may also be linked to improved respiratory outcomes. New research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, found that semaglutide use was associated with an almost 40% reduction in asthma attacks among people with asthma.
The study was led by Professor Chloe Bloom, Clinical Associate Professor of Respiratory Epidemiology at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK, and presented by Dr. Bohee Lee.
GLP-1 receptor agonists and lung health
Dr. Bloom said, “GLP-1 receptor agonists are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Previous research suggests that these medicines may have anti-inflammatory properties and could improve certain lung-related outcomes. However, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outcomes have not typically been included in clinical trials of GLP-1 medications.”
“We wanted to use real-world health records to investigate whether people with asthma or COPD who began taking GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced fewer acute respiratory attacks.”
To explore this question, researchers analyzed electronic medical records from the UK. They conducted four parallel studies, with each study including between 20,000 and 22,000 people who started treatment with either a GLP-1 receptor agonist or a different class of diabetes medication known as sulfonylureas.
The findings indicated that people with asthma or COPD who received GLP-1 treatment had fewer asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations than similar patients who were prescribed other diabetes medicines. Because the research was based on medical records, the results show an association rather than proof that GLP-1 medications directly prevent respiratory flare-ups.
Semaglutide had the strongest reported effect
Among the GLP-1 medications studied, semaglutide appeared to have the most notable association with improved respiratory outcomes in people with asthma.
Professor Bloom explained, “The effects of semaglutide appear to be particularly strong in patients with asthma, where its use was associated with an almost 40% reduction in asthma attacks. Semaglutide was also associated with a 20% reduction in COPD exacerbations.”
The results suggest that people who already meet the criteria for GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment because of obesity or type 2 diabetes may experience additional potential benefits related to respiratory health.
However, Professor Bloom emphasized that the findings are not sufficient to recommend semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications specifically as treatments for asthma or COPD.
She said, “Although these results are encouraging, they should not be used alone to change treatment decisions. People with asthma or COPD should continue to follow current prescribing guidelines and should not begin taking GLP-1 receptor agonists solely to treat a lung condition. The findings suggest that some people using these medicines may experience fewer respiratory attacks, but this must be confirmed through clinical trials.”
Why metabolic health matters for lung function
Dr. Alexander Matieodakis, chair of the European Respiratory Society’s Airway Pharmacology and Treatment Group and senior lecturer in respiratory medicine at the University of Manchester, UK, was not involved in the study.
“Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are common among people with airway diseases, but they are often overlooked as health concerns that can and should be addressed,” he said.
“This is one of the largest real-world studies to investigate GLP-1 receptor agonists and airway disease. It is also one of the first to examine whether the effects differ between individual GLP-1 medications.”
“The study highlights the importance of considering metabolic health as part of respiratory care. It also supports including respiratory outcomes, such as asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations, in future trials of metabolic therapies.”
“Clinical trials measuring asthma attacks, COPD exacerbations, lung function, symptoms, and quality of life are needed to determine whether metabolic treatments could become part of a broader, personalized approach to managing airway disease.”
Source: www.sciencedaily.com