Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist.

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Rendell MS

Albiglutide: a unique GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2016 Dec;16(12):1557-1569. doi: 10.1080/14712598.2016.1240780. Epub 2016 Oct 3.

PubMed ID

27677385 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 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.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Albiglutide	Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor	Protein	Humans	Yes	Agonist	Details