EMERGING evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), may offer therapeutic benefits in Parkinson’s disease (PD). A new systematic review and meta-analysis has consolidated findings from multiple studies, revealing improvements in motor function among patients treated with this drug class, though with an increased risk of adverse events.
Patients with T2DM have been found to face a higher risk of developing PD, with those affected experiencing more severe and rapid disease progression compared with non-diabetic individuals. Interestingly, prior research has indicated that diabetic patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists had a lower incidence of PD compared with those using other antidiabetic agents. These observations prompted closer investigation of whether GLP-1 receptor agonists could be repurposed for neurodegenerative disorders such as PD, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, in addition to cerebrovascular disease.
This review included an extensive search across PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL, Web of Science, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov, analyzing studies that assessed GLP-1 receptor agonists in the management of PD. Key outcomes examined included changes in motor symptoms measured by the MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) and the incidence of gastrointestinal and systemic adverse events.
The pooled analysis demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists significantly improved motor impairment in PD, as shown by reductions in MDS-UPDRS Part III scores in the ON state (mean difference=-2.88; p=0.01; I²=30%). However, these agents were associated with higher rates of adverse events across all safety outcomes.
These findings highlight the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists as repurposed therapies in PD, though their safety profile requires further consideration. The review underscores the need for large-scale clinical trials to determine long-term efficacy, tolerability, and the role these drugs may play in future PD treatment strategies.
Reference:
Helal MM et al. GLP-1 receptor agonists in Parkinson’s disease: an updated comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis. Review Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2025;17(1):352.
