GLP-1 Analogs

Summary

GLP-1 Analogs are a class of drugs that include exenatide and liraglutide. These drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus by lowering blood sugar levels. As their name suggests, these drugs work by imitating the actions of GLP1 in the body, which stimulates glucose-dependent insulin release and decreases glucagon release. These drugs also decrease gastric emptying and increase satiety. A common side effect of these drugs is nausea and vomiting, while a much rarer side effect is pancreatitis. The GLP1 analogs are also known to cause weight loss in patients. Finally, these drugs typically do not cause hypoglycemia in patients.

Key Points

• GLP-1 Analogs
  • Drug Names
    • Exenatide
    • Liraglutide
    • Note: this is not a unique drug ending, but both end in -tide
  • Mechanism
    • Mimics action of endogenous glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) to activate GLP-1 receptors
      • Decreases glucagon release
      • Decrease gastric emptying
        • Increases satiety
          • often desired
      • Increase glucose-dependent insulin release
        • This occurs in a glucose-dependent fashion, so hypoglycemia is not observed
        • Think: uses indirect machinery (does not directly act on beta cells, so body’s homeostatic effects remain intact)
  • Clinical Use
    • Treats diabetes mellitus
      • Used second-line in patients who do not achieve sufficient glucose control with metformin or other drugs
  • Side Effects
    • Nausea / vomiting
    • Pancreatitis
    • Weight loss
      • often desired
    • Does not cause hypoglycemia
      • Since insulin is released in a glucose-dependent manner, insulin release stops when glucose levels fall too low