GLP-1 drugs

Context

Two GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide) drugs, Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide and Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide, are now available in the Indian market.

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These drugs are extremely effective for weight loss, helping people lose 15% to 20% of their body weight, equivalent to what they would otherwise lose with bariatric surgeries.
They have also been found to be effective or are being studied for a host of other conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea.
It has also been reported that people on these drugs end up making significant dietary changes, consuming smaller, healthier meals.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a new class of medicines called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. They are prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
These drugs mimic certain naturally-occurring gut hormones called incretins (GLP-1 is one such incretin) produced in the small intestine, and are hence also known as incretin mimicker.
How do these miracle drugs work?
- Improving the secretion of insulin that allows more of the glucose in the bloodstream to enter cells, where it can be used for energy.
- Inhibiting the secretion of the hormone glucagon that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.
- Slowing down the emptying of the stomach so that the glucose levels in the bloodstream don’t spike.
- Reducing appetite by signalling to the brain that one is satiated.