Semaglutide, a GLP-1R agonist also known as Ozempic or Wegovy and initially developed for type 2 diabetes, is emerging as a promising candidate for neurological conditions. The recent clinical findings suggest its potential to improve outcomes in stroke and brain hemorrhage patients, driven by its cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects. These developments highlight a significant therapeutic expansion into cerebrovascular health and brain-related disorders, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s report, “GLP-1R Agonists – Label Extensions/Drug Repurposing – Market Overview,” reveals that Ozempic is currently in Phase II trials for acute ischemic stroke.

Costanza Alciati, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Other GLP-1R agonists and combination therapies are in clinical development for other neurological conditions, and many academic studies are currently focusing on the potential use of GLP-1R agonists in stroke to reduce complications and the risk of reoccurrence altogether.”

In the past couple of weeks new results came out from three studies investigating the use of semaglutide in stroke and brain hemorrhage patients. Semaglutide seems to increase the chance of surviving in patients experiencing stroke and reduce related complications. It also seems to have a similar impact in patients experiencing brain hemorrhage, reducing side effects, seizures, future reoccurrence and death.

Alciati continues: “The SELECT trial has demonstrated a clear cardiovascular protection associated with semaglutide use, which could explain its benefits in stroke patients. Furthermore, the occurrence of stroke is strictly linked to metabolic health, inflammation, and obesity, thus an improvement in these factors can benefit patients who are likely to experience a stroke or have in the past.”

According to the key opinion leaders interviewed by GlobalData, the potential of GLP-1R agonists in brain diseases seems to be based on their anti-inflammatory action.

Alciati concludes: “GLP-1R agonists are known to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, and it seems that this translates to the brain too, as these molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier. The results from these latest studies suggest that cerebrovascular conditions, such as stroke and brain hemorrhage, seem to benefit from both the cardiovascular and cerebral anti-inflammatory effects associated with GLP-1R agonists’ use, on top of the improvement in overall health. And this is a great finding which could help increase the lifespan of patients experiencing these events.”