RESEARCH presented at ACR Convergence 2025 highlights a potential new role for GLP-1 receptor agonists, medications widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Fewer Disease Flares With GLP-1 Therapy
In a retrospective study led by Shreya Sakthivel, Chief Resident of Internal Medicine at Anne Arundel Medical Center, investigators found that RA patients receiving disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) who also took GLP-1 receptor agonists or SGLT2 inhibitors experienced fewer disease flares than those on DMARDs alone.
The study examined real-world patient data to explore the intersection of metabolic and inflammatory disease. The findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may have anti-inflammatory effects independent of their role in glucose regulation.
A Dual-Action Approach to Inflammation and Metabolic Health
These results add to growing evidence that metabolic health and autoimmune disease activity are closely linked. GLP-1 receptor agonists, including drugs such as semaglutide, are known to promote weight loss, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, which may collectively contribute to better joint health and reduced disease activity in RA.
Implications for Future Rheumatoid Arthritis Care
While the findings are preliminary, they open the door to prospective clinical trials investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists as adjunctive therapy in rheumatic disease. If validated, this approach could mark a major advance in personalized medicine, providing patients with therapies that target both metabolic dysfunction and autoimmune inflammation.
These results add to growing evidence that metabolic health and autoimmune disease activity are closely linked. GLP-1 receptor agonists, including drugs such as semaglutide, are known to promote weight loss, reduce systemic inflammation, and improve insulin sensitivity, which may collectively contribute to better joint health and reduced disease activity in RA. Researchers also noted that improved metabolic balance could enhance treatment response to DMARDs, offering a synergistic effect that benefits both cardiovascular and inflammatory outcomes.
Reference
Patel S et al. Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors and GLP-1 Agonists on RA Flares in Patients on DMARD Therapy. Abstract 2128553. ACR Convergence, 25th-29th October, 2025.
