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GLP-1 receptor agonists in asthma: targeting metabolic-inflammatory crossroads
Helen O'Brien1,2, Alessandro N Franciosi1,2, Marcus W Butler1,2
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|February 10, 2026
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists show promise for managing asthma, particularly in patients with obesity or diabetes. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms and optimal use in asthma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Obesity exacerbates asthma, leading to poor disease control and reduced treatment response.
- Weight loss and metabolic modulation show potential for improving asthma outcomes.
- Emerging evidence suggests a link between insulin resistance and asthma control, independent of weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the emerging role of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in asthma management.
- To explore the potential of GLP-1RAs as add-on therapies for uncontrolled asthma, especially in patients with comorbid obesity or diabetes.
- To highlight the intersection of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in asthma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent translational, mechanistic, and observational studies.
- Analysis of meta-analyses investigating GLP-1RAs in asthma.
- Assessment of current understanding of GLP-1RA mechanisms in asthma.
Main Results:
- GLP-1RAs demonstrate a positive signal in improving asthma care for both obese and nonobese individuals.
- Modulating insulin resistance via GLP-1RAs may improve asthma control, irrespective of weight loss.
- GLP-1RAs represent a novel therapeutic approach at the inflammatory and metabolic nexus for uncontrolled asthma.
Conclusions:
- GLP-1RAs are recognized for their potential in treating asthma patients with obesity and/or diabetes.
- The precise mechanisms of GLP-1RA action in these patient groups require further elucidation.
- Randomized controlled trials are essential to determine the benefits, harms, and optimal integration of GLP-1RAs into asthma treatment guidelines.
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