2024-10-29 05:30:00
Illustration of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (blue) binding to a semaglutide molecule (red), forming an activated complex. JUAN GAERTNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Will history prove Daniel Drucker right? This endocrinologist from the University of Toronto (Canada) who has worked for decades on GLP-1 analogues has nicknamed them “the Swiss army knife of hormones”. Popularized under the trade names Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda (liraglutide), these drugs mimic GLP-1. This is a hormone secreted by the intestine when eating food which controls blood glucose levels and stimulates the production of insulin.
These medications have proven effective in treating patients with type 2 diabetes, a disease linked to the body’s improper use of insulin. They are found among the latest therapeutic advances in the treatment of obesity. In France, the marketing of Wegovy, the little brother of Ozempic, has just been launched.
For months, studies have been fueling the chronicle on the possible therapeutic effects of this family of drugs on other pathologies: impact on addictions by reducing withdrawal crises, beneficial effect on cardiovascular risk, effects on polycystic ovary syndrome , osteoarthritis, depression, or liver disease. These digestive hormone analogues would also have a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases.
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“There is quite a bit of data starting to come together in the literature showing that semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists may have a beneficial effect on cognitive decline and perhaps even on cognitive decline due to the disease. Alzheimer’s »attests Nicolas Villain, neurologist at Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital.
More than a million patients
A team of researchers from the Faculty of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, United States) has just revealed that semaglutide, compared to seven other antidiabetic drugs, could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in people with type 2 diabetes. Their work was published on Thursday October 24 in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia : The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The researchers sifted through the electronic records of more than a million American patients with type 2 diabetes. Their finding: patients who had benefited from treatment with semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of developing the disease. Alzheimer’s than those treated with one of the other seven drugs. And this regardless of their gender, age or level of obesity.
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**Interview with Dr. Daniel Drucker: The Future of GLP-1 Analogues**
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Dr. Drucker. Thank you for joining us today.
**Dr. Drucker:** Good morning! Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** You’ve famously referred to GLP-1 analogues as “the Swiss army knife of hormones.” Can you elaborate on why you view these medications so positively?
**Dr. Drucker:** Certainly! GLP-1 analogues like semaglutide and liraglutide play multiple roles in our body. They not only help regulate blood sugar levels and enhance insulin secretion, but they also impact appetite and weight management. Their versatility suggests they could address a wide range of health issues beyond just diabetes and obesity.
**Interviewer:** Recently, we’ve seen increasing clinical interest in the potential of GLP-1 analogues for treating other conditions, from addictions to neurodegenerative diseases. What do you think are the most promising areas of research?
**Dr. Drucker:** The research into the protective effects against neurodegenerative diseases is particularly exciting. The same mechanisms that help regulate glucose metabolism may also play a role in neuroprotection. Additionally, studies examining their impact on addiction and mental health are showing potential, which could open new therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from these conditions.
**Interviewer:** In light of this expanding interest, how do you foresee the future of GLP-1 analogues in the medical field?
**Dr. Drucker:** I believe we are just scratching the surface of what these analogues can do. As more studies are conducted, we may see them integrated into treatment protocols for a variety of conditions. Their recent approval for obesity treatment in France is a great step forward, and I anticipate we’ll see broader applications over time, making a significant impact on public health.
**Interviewer:** What message do you want to convey to both healthcare professionals and patients regarding these advancements?
**Dr. Drucker:** It’s crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to stay informed about these developments. The potential benefits of GLP-1 analogues extend far beyond their initial indications, and understanding their full capabilities can lead to better care options. Collaboration and continued research will be key in unlocking their full potential.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Drucker, for sharing your insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how this field evolves.
**Dr. Drucker:** Thank you! It was my pleasure.
