Few drugs have entered mainstream awareness as quickly or as dramatically as glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 receptor agonists. Initially approved by the FDA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they have since also transformed the therapeutic landscape of obesity and weight management.
These medications are clearly effective. They stimulate the release of insulin and suppress the release of glucagon, another hormone, to help control blood sugar levels, and they also reduce appetite and delay gastric emptying to aid in weight reduction. However, hurdles to their widespread use, such as manufacturing cost, delivery system, and side effects remain, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study led by Henry Daniell of the School of Dental Medicine investigates a new approach to the…