Glucagon-like-peptide-1 agonist therapy in adults with cystic fibrosis.
J Cyst Fibros · 2025
Last updated 2026-05-28In a group of 11 adults with cystic fibrosis, treatment with GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide or tirzepatide) led to a median weight loss of 7.2 kg over 1 to 50 months. Most participants showed improved lung function, with changes in breathing test results ranging from -5% to +18% for ppFEV1 and +1% to +26% for ppFVC. Among the 7 participants with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, insulin doses decreased by an average of 31.5%, and blood sugar control improved by 11%.
AI summary of the abstract below.
| Journal | J Cyst Fibros, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Citations | 13 |
| Relative citation ratio | 5.90 |
| Molecules | — |
Abstract
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are commonly used to improve glycemic control and promote weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or obesity. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding GLP-1 agonist use in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). We present 11 people with CF (males: 3, females: 7; age range 24-47; BMI range 25.7-43.7) treated with GLP-1 agonists (semaglutide: 9,tirzepatide: 2) for variable duration (1-50 months). All experienced weight loss on GLP- 1 agonist therapy (median change in weight = -7.2 kg; change in BMI [kg/m2] = -0.9 to -8.1). Eight pwCF showed improvement in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV1) [change = -5 to + 18] and nine pwCF showed improvement in percent predicted forced vital capacity (ppFVC) [change= +1 to + 26]. Of the 7 pwCF with CFRD, all reduced their insulin quantity (mean, 31.5 % decrease in total daily insulin dose), and glucose time in range improved for most (mean, +11 % increase from baseline). Four pwCF stopped using GLP-1 agonists: 2 due to severe nausea/vomiting, 1 due to lack of perceived benefit, and 1 due to change in insurance coverage. This report is the largest published series to date of pwCF treated with GLP-1 agonist therapy. With the addition of GLP-1 agonists, all individuals experienced weight loss and a reduction in daily insulin dose, and most had improvement in pulmonary function. Future multi-center studies are needed to corroborate the efficacy and safety of these agents in the CF population.
Verbatim abstract via PubMed 39214747 ↗