Matthias Magoola
DEI Biopharma, Kampala, Uganda;
dei@deigroupinternational.com
Abstract: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have transformed modern medicine, progressing from diabetes treatments to versatile therapeutics with applications across multiple medical specialties.
This review examines the fundamental mechanisms, established applications, and emerging therapeutic roles of GLP-1 RAs. We provide a comprehensive analysis of their structural evolution, from first-generation short-acting agents to sophisticated multi-receptor agonists. Through systematic evaluation of clinical evidence and mechanistic foundations, we highlight how strategic peptide engineering has enabled unprecedented metabolic outcomes.
The expanding therapeutic applications of GLP-1 RAs across diverse conditions—including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and psychiatric conditions—demonstrate their potential to address underlying pathophysiological mechanisms across seemingly unrelated disorders. As research advances, GLP-1 RAs are poised to fundamentally reshape treatment paradigms across medicine.
