Examining Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor (GLP-1R) Agonists for Central Nervous System Disorders

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, originally developed for type 2 diabetes patients and popularized by their ability to rapidly reduce body weight in patients with obesity, have recently received a lot of national attention. Repurposing GLP-1R agonists to treat some central nervous disorders is promising, but comparatively understudied. At a September 2024 workshop, the National Academies Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders reviewed the current knowledge and research gaps about the mechanisms of action of GLP-1R agonists in the brain, and the evidence of their clinical efficacy for eating disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, substance use disorders, and pain.