BUFFALO, N.Y. — GLP-1RA medications, such as Ozempic and Victoza, have been believed to increase the risk of acute pancreatitis in patients that already have a history of pancreatit . Now, new research from University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences found that the drugs may actually lower the risk.
This year's Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2024 is taking place in Boston. UB's researchers presented their work on Saturday.
“Our clinic often sees patients with a history of pancreatitis who could benefit from GLP-1RA treatments,” says Mahmoud Nassar, MD, PhD. “However, due to existing warnings, we were cautious about using these drugs in this group of patients.”
“GLP-1RA drugs work through a mechanism that not only controls diabetes and aids in weight loss but also has anti-inflammatory properties, which likely contributed to the reduced risk,” Nassar explains. “We were not surprised to find these drugs reduce the risk of pancreatitis.”
GLP-1RA stands for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. By mimicking the effects of GLP-1, the medications help to lower blood sugar levels and support weight loss.
"Our research offers good news for patients with a history of pancreatitis,” Nassar says. “They can now use GLP-1RA drugs to effectively manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity without an increased risk of pancreatitis, expanding their treatment options.”
You can read more about the study here: https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2024/06/UB-study-GLP-diabetes-pancreatitis.html
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