GLP-1 receptor agonists in Parkinson's disease: a meta-analysis revealing motor benefit and highlighting mood improvement.

Chen Y, Zhang Z, Liu Z, Lv T, Ye M, Yan J, Zhang M

Frontiers in neurology3 Jul 2026

PMID42490867PMCIDPMC13375474DOI10.3389/fneur.2026.1858507PepBankPUB-42490867

Summary

BackgroundGLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) show promise for Parkinson's disease (PD), but their comprehensive efficacy and safety profiles remain unclear.MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up). Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.ResultsGLP-1RAs significantly improved motor function post-treatment (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07, p = 0.003; I ² = 70.2%) and at follow-up (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08, p = 0.009; I ² = 48.5%). Exploratory analyses suggested an association between GLP-1RA treatment and improved mood outcomes post-treatment (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.14, p = 0.001; I ² = 54.0%) and sustained at follow-up (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06, p = 0.013; I ² = 0.0%). Cognitive function improved during follow-up (SMD = -0.34, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.18, p I ² = 1.1%). Weight loss (OR = 3.87, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.94, p I ² = 47.7%) and gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.29 to 3.54, p I ² = 32.4%) were more frequent with GLP-1RAs, but PD symptom exacerbation was reduced (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94, p = 0.025; I ² = 0.0%).ConclusionGLP-1RAs provide multidimensional benefits in PD, extending beyond motor control to mood and cognition. These findings support their therapeutic repurposing, with side effects being manageable.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251170531, CRD420251170531.

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

Results from this study8

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

Studies that did not test the peptide alone8

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.

01HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In people with Parkinson's disease, exploratory pooled GLP-1RA treatment including liraglutide was associated with improved mood post-treatment versus placebo (SMD -0.36, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.14; P = 0.001; I2 = 54.0%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide were linked to improved mood more than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedMood outcomes post-treatment
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Analysis
Exploratory
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Measurements
Standardized mean difference
−0.36
post-treatment; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI -0.58 to -0.14; P = 0.001; I2 = 54.0%
Source sentences
Summary
Exploratory analyses suggested an association between GLP-1RA treatment and improved mood outcomes post-treatment (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.14, p = 0.001; I ² = 54.0%) and sustained at follow-up (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06, p = 0.013; I ² = 0.0%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086703
02HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In people with Parkinson's disease, exploratory pooled GLP-1RA treatment including liraglutide was associated with improved mood at follow-up versus placebo (SMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06; P = 0.013; I2 = 0.0%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide were linked to improved mood more than placebo at follow-up.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedMood outcomes at follow-up
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Analysis
Exploratory
Outcome group
Anxiety and mood · Mental health and mood
Measurements
Standardized mean difference
−0.27
follow-up; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06; P = 0.013; I2 = 0.0%
Source sentences
Summary
Exploratory analyses suggested an association between GLP-1RA treatment and improved mood outcomes post-treatment (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.14, p = 0.001; I ² = 54.0%) and sustained at follow-up (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.06, p = 0.013; I ² = 0.0%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086704
03HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved motor function post-treatment versus placebo (SMD -0.21, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07; P = 0.003; I2 = 70.2%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved motor function more than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedMotor function post-treatment
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Exercise and physical function · Nervous system and cognition
Measurements
Standardized mean difference
−0.21
post-treatment; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07; P = 0.003; I2 = 70.2%
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RAs significantly improved motor function post-treatment (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07, p = 0.003; I ² = 70.2%) and at follow-up (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08, p = 0.009; I ² = 48.5%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086701
04HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved motor function at follow-up versus placebo (SMD -0.32, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08; P = 0.009; I2 = 48.5%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved motor function more than placebo at follow-up.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedMotor function at follow-up
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Exercise and physical function · Nervous system and cognition
Measurements
Standardized mean difference
−0.32
follow-up; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08; P = 0.009; I2 = 48.5%
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1RAs significantly improved motor function post-treatment (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.35 to -0.07, p = 0.003; I ² = 70.2%) and at follow-up (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.08, p = 0.009; I ² = 48.5%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086702
05HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewEfficacy outcome
In people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved cognitive function at follow-up versus placebo (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.18; P < 0.001; I2 = 1.1%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide improved cognition more than placebo at follow-up.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Direction not reportedCognitive function at follow-up
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Cognition and memory · Nervous system and cognition
Measurements
Standardized mean difference
−0.34
follow-up; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI -0.50 to -0.18; P < 0.001; I2 = 1.1%
Source sentences
Summary
Cognitive function improved during follow-up (SMD = -0.34, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.18, p I ² = 1.1%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086705
06HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In people with Parkinson disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide increased weight-loss occurrence versus placebo (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.94; P < 0.001; I2 = 47.7%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, weight loss was more frequent with pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseWeight-loss occurrence
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Body weight · Metabolic and weight
Measurements
Odds ratio
3.87
weight-loss occurrence; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI 1.88 to 7.94; P < 0.001; I2 = 47.7%
Source sentences
Summary
Weight loss (OR = 3.87, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.94, p I ² = 47.7%)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086706
07HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In people with Parkinson disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide increased gastrointestinal disorders versus placebo (OR 2.85, 95% CI 2.29 to 3.54; P < 0.001; I2 = 32.4%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, stomach or bowel disorders were more frequent with pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseGastrointestinal disorders
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Gastrointestinal adverse events · Gastrointestinal
Measurements
Odds ratio
2.85
gastrointestinal disorders; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI 2.29 to 3.54; P < 0.001; I2 = 32.4%
Source sentences
Summary
gastrointestinal disorders (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.29 to 3.54, p I ² = 32.4%)
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086707
08HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In people with Parkinson disease, pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide reduced symptom exacerbation versus placebo (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94; P = 0.025; I2 = 0.0%).
In plain wordsIn people with Parkinson's disease, symptom worsening was less frequent with pooled GLP-1RAs including liraglutide than placebo.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
DecreaseParkinson's disease symptom exacerbation
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Placebo
Outcome group
Adverse events · Nervous system and cognition
Measurements
Odds ratio
0.6
PD symptom exacerbation; pooled GLP-1RAs versus placebo; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94; P = 0.025; I2 = 0.0%
Source sentences
Summary
but PD symptom exacerbation was reduced (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94, p = 0.025; I ² = 0.0%).
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We conducted a meta-analysis of 8 randomized trials (n = 850 PD patients) evaluating GLP-1RAs (Exenatide, Lixisenatide, Liraglutide, NLY01) versus placebo over treatment periods of 36-52 weeks and follow-up durations of 8-12 weeks (except one study with a 12-month follow-up).
Summary · context
Outcomes included motor/non-motor symptoms assessed by validated scales and adverse events.
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-4249086708

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

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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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