The technology rapidly progressed with several types of co-agonists forging ahead in clinical trials including GIP/GLP-1 receptor dual agonists with one of the most notable being tirzepatide [8,9]
GLP-1 medications work by stimulating the release of insulin in response to high blood sugar, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying
While further behind alcohol and nicotine research, preliminary studies are examining whether GLP-1 agonists could complement existing treatments like buprenorphine and naltrexone for opioid use disorder
Starting GLP-1 after hormones are optimized may produce a stronger appetite-suppressing effect from the first dose
More serious but less common concerns have emerged regarding potential effects on various organ systems, including the gallbladder
Studies are also underway for a spectrum of other conditions, including Phase 3 trials investigating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), as well as mid-to-late stage trials exploring potential benefits in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinsons disease