New research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona indicates that semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, may significantly reduce the incidence of asthma attacks. The study, led by Professor Chloe Bloom of Imperial College London, found that semaglutide use was associated with nearly a 40% reduction in asthma attacks among patients with asthma. The researchers analyzed electronic medical records from the UK, comparing outcomes between individuals who initiated GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy (including semaglutide) and those who started a different diabetes medication, sulfonylurea. The results also suggested a 20% reduction in COPD flare-ups among patients using semaglutide.
While the findings are promising, Professor Bloom emphasized that they should not alter current treatment guidelines for asthma or COPD. She noted that the observed benefits for respiratory health are encouraging but require validation through dedicated clinical trials. Dr. Alexander Mathioudakis, an independent expert from the University of Manchester, highlighted the broader implications of the study, suggesting that metabolic health should be considered an integral component of respiratory care. He advocated for future clinical trials of metabolic therapies to include respiratory outcomes, such as asthma attacks and COPD exacerbations, to explore the potential for a more personalized approach to managing airway diseases. [Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260909001555.htm]