GLP-1 drugs linked to reduced asthma crises in new study

Research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used for obesity and type 2 diabetes, may be associated with a reduction in acute respiratory crises for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A study led by Imperial College London utilized real-world electronic medical records from the United Kingdom to analyze patients. Findings indicated that semaglutide injections could be associated with up to a 40% reduction in asthma attacks. While the results are considered encouraging due to potential anti-inflammatory effects, researchers emphasized that these findings should not currently alter standard therapeutic guidelines.

Investigator Chloe Bloom noted that patients with asthma or COPD should not begin GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment specifically for pulmonary reasons outside of existing prescription protocols. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these observations, as respiratory outcomes have not previously been included as primary endpoints in GLP-1 clinical trials.