Safety and Tolerability of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Utilizing Data from the Exenatide Clinical Trial Development Program

Curr Diab Rep. 2016 May;16(5):44. doi: 10.1007/s11892-016-0728-4.

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have demonstrated benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes including A1C reduction and weight loss with minimal risk of hypoglycemia. This article provides an evidence-based update of safety and tolerability considerations for the clinical use of GLP-1RAs as a class, with a specific detailed review of data from the exenatide clinical trial development program, which has the longest history and availability of safety and tolerability data as the first-approved GLP-1RA. Specific areas covered include comparative risk of hypoglycemia, as well as pancreatic, thyroid, and cardiovascular safety data; clinical guidance regarding current safety and tolerability data is also reviewed.

Keywords: Cardiovascular; Exenatide; GLP-1 receptor agonists; Incretin; Pancreatitis; Safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antibody Formation
  • Clinical Trials as Topic*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists*
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia / drug therapy
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists