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Open AccessReview
Emerging Frontiers in GLP-1 Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Evidence Base (2025)
by
Shikha Patel
Shikha Patel 1
and
Sarfaraz K. Niazi
Sarfaraz K. Niazi 2,*
1
mAbtide Scientific Communications, Ahmedabad 380001, India
2
College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1036; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081036 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 18 June 2025
/
Revised: 24 July 2025
/
Accepted: 5 August 2025
/
Published: 9 August 2025
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have evolved from glucose-lowering agents to transformative therapies across multiple organ systems. This comprehensive review synthesizes current evidence on the mechanisms, established applications, and emerging therapeutic frontiers of GLP-1 RAs. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception through May 2025, using controlled vocabulary and free-text terms related to GLP-1 RAs, their mechanisms, and clinical applications. Results: GLP-1 RAs demonstrate pleiotropic effects through fundamental cellular mechanisms, including enhanced mitochondrial function, anti-inflammatory actions, improved cellular quality control, and comprehensive metabolic regulation. Established applications demonstrate robust efficacy in diabetes management (HbA1c reductions of 1.5–2.0%), obesity treatment (weight loss of 7–24%), and cardiovascular protection (14–20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events, or MACE). Emerging applications span neurological disorders, dermatological conditions, respiratory diseases, and novel applications in addiction medicine and autoimmune disorders. Conclusions: GLP-1 RAs represent a paradigmatic shift toward multi-system therapeutic intervention, with expanding evidence supporting their role as comprehensive metabolic modulators.
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MDPI and ACS Style
Patel, S.; Niazi, S.K.
Emerging Frontiers in GLP-1 Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Evidence Base (2025). Pharmaceutics 2025, 17, 1036.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081036
AMA Style
Patel S, Niazi SK.
Emerging Frontiers in GLP-1 Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Evidence Base (2025). Pharmaceutics. 2025; 17(8):1036.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081036
Chicago/Turabian Style
Patel, Shikha, and Sarfaraz K. Niazi.
2025. "Emerging Frontiers in GLP-1 Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Evidence Base (2025)" Pharmaceutics 17, no. 8: 1036.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081036
APA Style
Patel, S., & Niazi, S. K.
(2025). Emerging Frontiers in GLP-1 Therapeutics: A Comprehensive Evidence Base (2025). Pharmaceutics, 17(8), 1036.
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081036
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