A new study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress suggests that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, may reduce asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups. Researchers at Imperial College London found a nearly 40% reduction in asthma attacks among patients using semaglutide compared to those using other diabetes medications.
The research, led by Professor Chloe Bloom, Clinical Associate Professor in Respiratory Epidemiology at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, analyzed electronic medical records from the UK. Four parallel studies, each involving between 20,000 and 22,000 people, compared those starting GLP-1 medications with those prescribed sulfonylureas. The results indicated fewer acute respiratory attacks in patients receiving GLP-1 therapies.
Dr. Bohee Lee presented the findings, which showed semaglutide had the strongest effect. “The effect was strongest with semaglutide, especially in people with asthma, where use of semaglutide appears to be associated with nearly a 40% reduction in asthma attacks. Semaglutide also led to a 20% reduction in COPD flare-ups,” explained Professor Bloom.
Researchers suggest the anti-inflammatory effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists may contribute to these respiratory benefits. However, Professor Bloom emphasized that further clinical trials are needed before recommending these medications specifically for asthma or COPD. “The findings from this study are encouraging, but they s
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