THE EXPANDING THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE OF GLP-1 RECEPTOR AGONISTS BEYOND DIABETES

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were initially introduced as incretin-based agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Over recent years, extensive experimental, clinical, and population-based studies have revealed that these agents exert wide-ranging biological effects extending far beyond glucose regulation. GLP-1RAs influence appetite control, body weight, cardiovascular outcomes, renal function, hepatic lipid metabolism, and neuroinflammatory pathways. Advances in incretin pharmacology, including dual and multi-agonist molecules, have further broadened their therapeutic scope. This review critically examines the molecular mechanisms and clinical evidence supporting the extra-glycemic benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists, highlighting their emerging role as multisystem disease-modifying therapies. Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonists; incretin signaling; cardiometabolic disease; chronic kidney disease; obesity; NAFLD; neuroprotection