Molecular psychiatry

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor activators as potential treatments for bipolar disorder: a review of lab and patient studies

Updated

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) may offer potential therapeutic benefits for bipolar disorder (BD) based on their diverse neurobiological effects.

  • GLP-1RAs are associated with modulation of neurotransmission, which is important for mood regulation.
  • These agents may reduce neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, factors implicated in the pathophysiology of BD.
  • Enhancements in mitochondrial function and neurotrophic support from GLP-1RAs are suggested to contribute positively to brain health.
  • Improvement in insulin sensitivity and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is observed with GLP-1RAs.
  • Preliminary findings indicate potential benefits in core symptoms of BD, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction.
  • Human data in BD populations are limited, highlighting the need for further controlled trials to establish efficacy and safety.

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Full Text

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Funding

Competing interests

Competing interests: Cristian-Daniel Llach received financial support from the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation, which provided salary support during the fellowship through its fellowship programs. However, the foundation was not involved in any stage of this manuscript, including its design, writing, revision, or submission. There are no conflicts of interest between the author’s research and the ‘La Caixa’ Foundation. C.L. has also received CME-related honoraria or consulting fees from CASEN Recordati, Organon, Lundbeck, and the Academy for Continuing Medical Education (Akademijazakme), with no financial or other conflicts of interest relevant to the subject of this article. Eduard Vieta has received grants and served as consultant, advisor or CME speaker for the following entities: AB-Biotics, Abbott, AbbVie, Adamed, Alcediag, Angelini, Biogen, Beckley-Psytech, Biohaven, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Casen-Recordati, Celon Pharma, Clariane, Compass, Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma, Esteve, Ethypharm, Ferrer, Gedeon Richter, GH Research, Glaxo-Smith Kline, HMNC, Intra-Cellular therapies, Idorsia, Johnson & Johnson, Lundbeck, Luye Pharma, Medincell, Merck, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, Newraxpharm, Newron, Novartis, Organon, Orion Corporation, Otsuka, Roche, Rovi, Sage, Sanofi-Aventis, Sunovion, Takeda, Teva, and Viatris, outside the submitted work. Dr. Roger S. McIntyre has received research grant support from CIHR/GACD/National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the Milken Institute; speaker/consultation fees from Lundbeck, Janssen, Alkermes, Neumora Therapeutics, Boehringer Ingelheim, Sage, Biogen, Mitsubishi Tanabe, Purdue, Pfizer, Otsuka, Takeda, Neurocrine, Neurawell, Sunovion, Bausch Health, Axsome, Novo Nordisk, Kris, Sanofi, Eisai, Intra-Cellular, NewBridge Pharmaceuticals, Viatris, Abbvie and Atai Life Sciences. Dr. Joshua D Rosenblat has received research grant support from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Physician Services Inc (PSI) Foundation, Labatt Brain Health Network, Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation (BCDF), Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Academic Scholars Award, American Psychiatric Association, American Society of Psychopharmacology, University of Toronto, University Health Network Centre for Mental Health, Joseph M. West Family Memorial Fund, Inagene and Timeposters Fellowship and industry funding for speaker/consultation/research fees from iGan, Boehringer Ingelheim, Abbvie, Braxia Health (Canadian Rapid Treatment Centre of Excellence), Braxia Scientific, Janssen, Allergan, Lundbeck, Sunovion and COMPASS.
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