1. Academic Validation
  2. Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist

Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist

  • Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2016 Dec;16(12):1557-1569. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2016.1240780.
Marc S Rendell 1 2
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 a The Rose Salter Medical Research Foundation , Omaha , NE , USA.
  • 2 b The Association of Diabetes Investigators , Omaha , NE , USA.
Abstract

Albiglutide is a long acting GLP-1 Receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) administered by weekly injection. Area covered: The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of albiglutide and its clinical effects are discussed. The review encompassed a search of PubMed and a thorough analysis of the European Union and US Food and Drug Administration approval documents. Expert opinion: Albiglutide has a chemical structure quite distinct from that of other marketed GLP-1 RAs. The agent has less gastrointestinal side effects than other comparable GLP-1 RAs and is safe in patients with renal failure. As a sole treatment for diabetes and used with other hypoglycemic agents, it achieves a lowering of HbA1c of up to 1%, less than several competitor GLP-1 RAs. The benefit on weight reduction is minimal compared to other GLP-1 RAs. There exists concern about an imbalance of pancreatitis cases in the approval program as well as injection site reactions which led to discontinuance of therapy in up to 2% of participants. A large long term study now underway will determine if albiglutide, with its lower level of GI intolerance, has a place in the treatment of patients with increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Keywords

GLP-1; dulaglutide; exenatide; incretins; liraglutide; lixisenatide; pancreatitis.

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