Eli Lilly and Company is a prominent pharmaceutical innovator, developing new therapies. For over a century, this global enterprise has achieved significant breakthroughs across various disease areas, impacting patient care worldwide. This article explores Eli Lilly’s contributions to GLP-1 therapies.
Understanding GLP-1
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the human gut, specifically by L-cells in the intestine. This incretin hormone is released into the bloodstream within minutes of food ingestion, playing a significant role in metabolic regulation. Its primary function involves stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning insulin is released only when blood sugar levels are elevated.
Beyond its direct effect on insulin, GLP-1 also suppresses glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, which helps prevent excessive glucose production by the liver. The hormone further contributes to blood sugar control by slowing gastric emptying, which moderates the rate at which glucose enters the bloodstream after a meal. Additionally, GLP-1 influences appetite and food intake by acting on receptors in the brain, promoting a feeling of fullness. The discovery of these diverse physiological effects paved the way for developing therapeutic agents that mimic or enhance GLP-1’s actions.
Eli Lilly’s Contributions to GLP-1 Therapy
Eli Lilly has significantly contributed to GLP-1-based therapies. One medication is dulaglutide, marketed as Trulicity. Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes with established cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors.
Another development is tirzepatide, known by its brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound. Mounjaro is approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Zepbound, containing tirzepatide, is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals who have at least one weight-related condition. Eli Lilly’s work advances treatment options for metabolic disorders.
How Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 Medications Function
Eli Lilly’s GLP-1-based medications mimic or enhance the actions of natural incretin hormones. Dulaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors found in tissues like the pancreas, gut, and brain. This activation leads to glucose-dependent insulin release, suppressed glucagon secretion, slowed gastric emptying, and reduced food intake.
Tirzepatide, found in Mounjaro and Zepbound, introduces a dual-agonist mechanism. It targets both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. This dual action leverages the complementary effects of both incretin hormones, leading to more pronounced effects on blood sugar control and weight management.
What to Know About Treatment
Individuals use Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 medications as once-weekly subcutaneous injections. Pre-filled pens allow for easy self-administration at home. Patients often experience gradual improvement in blood sugar control and observe changes in appetite, reporting reduced hunger and increased fullness, which can lead to meaningful weight reduction.
Common side effects, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose, include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. These effects often lessen as the body adjusts. Persistent side effects should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Effective treatment also involves consistent medical supervision, including regular check-ups and blood sugar monitoring. Adherence to a balanced diet and regular physical activity remains foundational for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity, complementing these therapies for optimal health.
Citations
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/insulin-medicines-treatments/glp-1-agonists
https://www.trulicity.com/hcp/how-trulicity-works
https://us.mounjaro.com/hcp/how-mounjaro-works
https://www.zepbound.lilly.com/how-zepbound-works