Semaglutide Cuts Asthma Attacks by 40%
Research presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress suggests that semaglutide, a drug used for diabetes and weight loss, may reduce asthma attacks by up to 40%. The study analyzed real-world health records to identify potential respiratory benefits.
Why it matters
Repurposing existing medications for respiratory health could offer new treatment pathways for patients with chronic airway diseases.
The diabetes and weight loss injection semaglutide can reduce asthma attacks by up to 40 per cent according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1].
The study was led by Professor Chloe Bloom, Clinical Associate Professor in Respiratory Epidemiology at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK, and presented by Dr Bohee Lee.
Dr Bloom said: "GLP-1 receptor agonists are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Previous research suggests that they may have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve lung-related outcomes. However, asthma and COPD outcomes have not been included as outcomes in GLP-1 drug trials.
"We wanted to use real-world health records to investigate whether people with asthma or COPD who started GLP-1 receptor agonists had fewer acute respiratory attacks."
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