Semaglutide linked to fewer asthma and COPD exacerbations

Getty/Douglas Cliff

By Olivia Bowthorpe

GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs may help reduce exacerbations of asthma, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with semaglutide showing the strongest effect, UK research has suggested.

The study found the link between taking the weight loss drugs and asthma or COPD flare-ups was stronger among those taking higher doses of semaglutide. And those with “more pronounced” asthma appeared to benefit more.

"Semaglutide was associated with a significant reduction in airway exacerbations," the researchers reported at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress.

Professor Chloe Bloom, clinical associate professor at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, said: “Previous research suggests that GLP-1 RAs may have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve lung-related outcomes.

"The findings from this study are encouraging, but they should not change treatment decisions on their own," she added.

"People with asthma or COPD should not start GLP-1 receptor agonists specifically for their lung condition outside current prescribing guidance. While the findings suggest that some people taking GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience fewer respiratory attacks, this needs confirmation in clinical trials."