Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists have shown significant clinical impact on weight loss and metabolic disorders important in diabetes. During the 85th Scientific Sessions in Chicago, Roger S. McIntyre, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto, Canada, will discuss the latest data showing that these receptor agonists also play key roles in neurogenesis, differentiation, and plasticity and can directly affect mechanisms involved in mental disorders.
“We have the rationale and data to support clinical trials to repurpose or expand these incretin receptor agonists as potential treatments and preventatives for depression,” Dr. McIntyre said. “Large observational, international databases have shown that when people are prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists, prescription rates for antidepressants are significantly reduced.”
Mental health is just one novel application for incretin receptor agonists. Investigators will discuss several unexpected uses during the symposium, Unanticipated Hot Topics in GLP-1 +/- GIP RA, on Sunday, June 22, from 1:30–3:00 p.m., in Room W185 A-D of the McCormick Place Convention Center. On-demand access to recorded presentations will be available to registered participants following the conclusion of the 85th Scientific Sessions, from June 25–August 25.
Dr. McIntyre noted that GLP-1 and GIP, originally considered gut hormones, are also produced in the central nervous system. GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists are expressed in multiple tissues throughout the body.
“Longitudinal studies in people with diabetes suggest that GLP-1/GIP agents were reducing the pace of cognitive decline, suggesting a protective effect on cognition,” Dr. McIntyre said. “Now in 2025, we have companies around the world looking at GLP-1/GIPs in Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and more. We have treatments that can engage these targets.”
Observational studies have also noted changes in the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other controlled substances during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists or dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. Addiction researchers were not entirely surprised.
“There has been a considerable amount of preclinical research looking at the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on responses to drugs, including alcohol, in animal models,” said Christian Hendershot, PhD, Professor of Population and Public Health Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine and Director of Clinical Research at the USC Institute for Addiction Science. “It’s been known for some time that GLP-1 medications have the effect of reducing alcohol consumption in animal models.”
Observational data suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists could potentially lead to reductions in intake of multiple classes of addictive drugs, including tobacco and opioids, Dr. Hendershot noted. He will discuss recent clinical findings on semaglutide in adults with alcohol use and alcohol use disorders.
“Alcohol and other substance use disorders are a significant source of morbidity and mortality, including among people with metabolic disorders,” Dr. Hendershot said. “There are possible therapeutic benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, especially with respect to alcohol and cigarette consumption, that could have a positive impact on clinical outcomes in a large proportion of people being treated with these drugs.”
GLP-1 receptor agonists may also have utility in reducing nicotine and opioid addiction.
During the symposium, Angela Fitch, MD, FACP, MFOMA, Dipl ABOM, Chief Medical Officer for Knownwell Health, will explore the concerns, controversies, and clinical considerations that have emerged with the proliferation of compounded GLP-1 medications.
Register Today for the 85th Scientific Sessions
Join us in Chicago for the 85th Scientific Sessions, June 20–23, to learn about the latest advances in diabetes research, prevention, and care. Full in-person registration includes access to all of the valuable onsite content during the meeting and on-demand access to session recordings June 25–August 25.