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Updated: Jun 4, 2025

A Method of Trigonometric Modelling of Seasonal Variation Demonstrated with Multiple Sclerosis Relapse Data
Published on: December 9, 2015
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist safety and efficacy in a multiple sclerosis cohort
Alexandra Balshi1, Grace Leuenberger1, John Dempsey1
1Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave., Kirstein 215, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Background:
While glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist medications (GLP-1s) are on the rise, their safety and efficacy have not been studied in people with MS (PwMS).
Objective:
To investigate any adverse effects of GLP-1 medications in the MS population as well as their effectiveness for weight loss and vitamin D augmentation.
Methods:
We retrospectively identified PwMS who utilized a GLP-1 medication from 2006 to 2024. Wilcoxon signed rank tests for paired samples were used to compare pre- and post-GLP-1 body mass index (BMI), expanded disability status scale (EDSS), timed 25-foot walk (25FTW), and mean vitamin D values. Additional safety outcomes assessed during GLP-1 treatment were deaths, hospitalizations, clinician-confirmed relapses, and new MRI activity.
Results:
Following GLP-1 initiation, PwMS had a decrease in BMI (mean % BMI loss 3.7, p = 0.001) and an increase in vitamin D values (mean increase of 8.1 ng/mL, p = 0.0002), while no change in EDSS or T25FW was seen. There were no hospitalizations or deaths after GLP-1 initiation.
Conclusion:
GLP-1 medications are safe and effective in PwMS and can help augment vitamin D levels.
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