Semaglutide linked to fewer exacerbations in asthma, COPD
A study presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, particularly semaglutide, are associated with fewer asthma and COPD exacerbations. Researchers found that patients using these diabetes medications experienced significant reductions in lung flare-ups compared to those on older treatments.
Why it matters
This finding could change clinical approaches for patients managing both type 2 diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions, highlighting the potential secondary benefits of GLP-1 drugs.
Patients with asthma or COPD who used semaglutide for type 2 diabetes experienced significant reductions in their exacerbations, according to an abstract presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress.
Exenatide and dulaglutide were associated with reductions in exacerbations as well, Chloe I. Bloom, MBChB, PhD, MSc, clinical associate professor in respiratory epidemiology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, and colleagues wrote.
Data derived from Lee B, et al. The differential effects of GLP-1 based therapies in airways disease. Presented at: European Respiratory Society International Congress; Sept. 5-9, 2026. Barcelona. “Conditions such as type 2 diabetes and excess weight are very common in people with asthma and COPD and are linked to worse respiratory outcomes,” Bloom told Healio.
Previous research also has indicated that GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce inflammation and have other direct effects in the lungs, she noted.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in