Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists for headache and pain disorders: a systematic review.

Halloum W, Dughem YA, Beier D, Pellesi L

The journal of headache and pain12 Jul 2024Cited by 58 (Europe PMC)

PMID38997662PMCIDPMC11241973DOI10.1186/s10194-024-01821-3PepBankPUB-38997662

Summary

BackgroundGlucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) plays a crucial role in metabolic disorders by enhancing insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying, thereby improving glycemic control. In recent years, GLP-1 role in neuronal pathways has expanded its therapeutic potential. We aim to comprehensively evaluate the relevance of GLP-1 in headache and pain disorders.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted on PubMed and Embase (Ovid) databases using the search terms "GLP-1" and "pain". Animal and human studies published in English language were included. Abstracts, reviews, and articles on other disorders than "pain" were excluded.ResultsThe search strategy identified 833 hits, of which 42 studies were included in the final review. The studies were categorized into four groups: inflammatory pain and osteoarthritis, headaches, neuropathic pain and diabetic neuropathy, and visceral pain and irritable bowel syndrome. GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, like liraglutide, have shown analgesic effects by modulating pain hypersensitivity in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. GLP-1 is involved in migraine mechanisms and GLP-1R agonists are beneficial in individuals with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Additionally, GLP-1R agonists reduce visceral hypersensitivity and ameliorate symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.ConclusionsThe therapeutic scope of GLP-1R agonists is expanding beyond traditional metabolic targets, highlighting its potential for headache and pain disorders. Engineering bimodal molecules that integrate GLP-1R agonism with specific pain-related mechanisms may offer innovative therapeutic options.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study1

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone1

In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

01AnimalNot a test of Liraglutide aloneOther designEfficacy outcome
In animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain, GLP-1 receptor agonists as a class, including liraglutide, showed analgesic effects by modulating pain hypersensitivity.
In plain wordsIn animal models of pain, GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, including liraglutide, reduced pain sensitivity.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseAnalgesic effect on pain hypersensitivity
Study
n: not reported in source
animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain
Outcome group
Pain · Nervous system and cognition
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists, like liraglutide, have shown analgesic effects by modulating pain hypersensitivity in animal models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
Animal and human studies published in English language were included.
In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-3899766201

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Version history

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Version 2Current
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:05 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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