Semaglutide injections commonly used for type 2 diabetes and weight loss can reduce asthma attacks by up to 40 per cent, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The study, led by Imperial College London researchers, suggests that metabolic therapies may offer significant secondary benefits for patients suffering from chronic airways diseases.
Study Details Real-World Impact on Asthma and COPD
Dr. Bohee Lee delivered the presentation at the conference, while Imperial College London’s National Heart & Lung Institute clinical associate professor in respiratory epidemiology, Professor Chloe Bloom, directed the investigation. According to Bloom, the team wanted to use electronic medical records to investigate whether patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who started GLP-1 receptor agonists experienced fewer acute attacks than those taking other medications. The real-world study analyzed data from four parallel groups, each comprising between 20,000 and 22,000 UK patients prescribed either GLP-1 treatments or sulfonylureas.
Did you know? Obesity and metabolic dysfunction are frequently under-recognized factors in airways disease, according to Dr. Alexander Mathioudakis of the University of Manchester, who was not involved in the research.
Comparing Semaglutide and Respiratory Outcomes
When comparing different diabetes treatments, researchers found that the protective effect against respiratory flare-ups varied by specific medication. According to Bloom, semaglutide showed the strongest impact, associating with a nearly 40% reduction in asthma attacks and a 20% drop in COPD flare-ups compared to sulfonylureas.
| Condition | Observed Reduction | Key Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | Up to 40% reduction in attacks | Semaglutide |
| COPD | 20% reduction in flare-ups | Semaglutide |
Future Directions in Clinical Trials
Despite the encouraging data, Bloom cautioned that the findings should not immediately change clinical prescribing habits outside of existing guidelines for obesity and diabetes. Dr. Alexander Mathioudakis, chair of the European Respiratory Society’s Group on Airway Pharmacology and Treatment, noted that the findings support the inclusion of respiratory outcomes—such as lung function, symptoms, and quality of life—in future clinical trials of metabolic therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can patients with asthma take semaglutide specifically for their lungs?
No. According to Professor Chloe Bloom, patients should not start GLP-1 receptor agonists specifically for a lung condition outside of current prescribing guidance until findings are confirmed in clinical trials.
How much did semaglutide reduce asthma attacks in the study?
The research presented at the ERS Congress showed that semaglutide was associated with nearly a 40% reduction in asthma attacks among participants.
Who led the Imperial College London research?
Dr. Bohee Lee delivered the findings of the investigation directed by Professor Chloe Bloom, who serves as a clinical associate professor in respiratory epidemiology at the National Heart & Lung Institute.
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