UK-based researchers have found that people with airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), who were prescribed a GLP-1 medication had fewer asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups compared to other people with the same diseases prescribed the diabetes medication sulfonylureas. Study lead Chloe Bloom, a clinical associate professor in Respiratory Epidemiology at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK, says: “GLP-1 receptor agonists are widely used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Previous research suggests that they may have anti-inflammatory effects and may improve lung-related outcomes. However, asthma and COPD outcomes have not been included as outcomes in GLP-1 drug trials.”