GLP-1RAs: antidiabetic drug crossover—new hope for chronic inflammatory airway diseases

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) represent a novel class of antidiabetic agents recognized not only for their efficacy in glycemic control and weight management but also for their distinctive cardiovascular benefits. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder worldwide, frequently coexists with chronic inflammatory airway diseases (CIADs), including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward the potential role of GLP-1RAs in the context of CIADs. This review examines the mechanistic underpinnings of GLP-1RAs in CIADs and evaluates their therapeutic potential in COPD, asthma, and OSA. Clinical evidence indicates that GLP-1RAs can reduce the risk of acute exacerbations in COPD, attenuate obesity-associated asthma exacerbations, and improve respiratory outcomes in patients with OSA. Although certain findings remain inconsistent and prospective clinical studies are still limited, the therapeutic promise of GLP-1RAs in CIADs has been preliminarily supported. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials are warranted to clarify their precise effects in chronic inflammatory airway diseases and to assess long-term efficacy and safety.