The biggest and most comprehensive analysis of glucagon -like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists on kidney and cardiovascular outcomes shows they have significant benefits in people with and without diabetes. Findings were published today in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology . Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, which stimulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels.
More recently, they have emerged as effective treatments for obesity - slowing digestion, increasing feelings of fullness, and reducing hunger. But while the benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease are well known, their impact on chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been less certain. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 large-scale clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists involving a total of 85,373 people (67,769 people with type 2 diabetes and 17,604 people with overweight or obesity and cardiovascular disease but without diabetes).
Seven different GLP-1 receptor agonists were investigated among the trials, including semaglutide (also known as Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and liraglutide (Victoza). The results showed that compared to placebo, GLP-1 receptor agonists reduced the risk of kidney failure by 16% and the worsening of kidney function by 22% (defined by a drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate - a measure .