GLP1-GIP receptor co-agonists: a promising evolution in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Acta Diabetol. 2024 Aug;61(8):941-950. doi: 10.1007/s00592-024-02300-6. Epub 2024 Jun 3.

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes represents a growing challenge for global public health. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide, and, like obesity, it affects progressively younger populations compared to the past, with potentially greater impact on chronic complications. Dual glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonists are among the new pharmacological strategies recently developed to address this challenge. Tirzepatide, characterized by its ability to selectively bind and activate receptors for the intestinal hormones GIP and GLP-1, has been tested in numerous clinical studies and is already currently authorized in several countries for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. In this context, the aim of the present document is to summarize, in the form of a narrative literature review, the currently available data on the main mechanisms of action of GIP/GLP-1 co-agonists and the clinical effects of tirzepatide evaluated in various clinical trials.

Keywords: Diabetes; GIP; GLP1; Incretin; Tirzepatide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide* / therapeutic use
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / agonists
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / analogs & derivatives
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / therapeutic use
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor* / agonists
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone* / agonists

Substances

  • Receptors, Gastrointestinal Hormone
  • gastric inhibitory polypeptide receptor
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide
  • tirzepatide
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-2 Receptor