Advances in GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), an incretin secreted by intestinal L cells, has become a critical target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes because of its physiological effects of augmenting insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon secretion, and decelerating gastric emptying. Human endogenous GLP-1 is found to be proteolytically degraded and inactivated by DPP-4, which considerably limits the therapeutic effects of GLP-1. In contrast, GLP-1RAs undergo significant improvement in drug stability. In this context, several successful strategies for the development of GLP-1RAs and the corresponding problems are fully elaborated. The assay gives a brief overview of the pharmacological effects, advantages and common adverse effects of GLP-1RAs, shedding light on the latest research progress of GLP-1RAs, including new dosage forms, new drug targets and new clinical applications