This comprehensive Lancet review describes how GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have expanded into cardiovascular prevention, obesity treatment, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and chronic kidney disease. The review covers next-generation agents including dual and triple incretin agonists.
GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes and have had a transformative effect on its therapy, and are highly effective for glycaemic control, with the added benefit of bodyweight reduction and a low risk of causing hypoglycaemia. GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce risks for major adverse cardiovascular events (eg, non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death), and the risk of admission to or treatment within hospital for heart failure. These drugs reduce albuminuria and slow the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate over time, therefore delaying or preventing kidney failure.
