Semaglutide linked to 40% reduction in asthma attacks in large real-world study
A large real-world study using UK electronic health records reveals that semaglutide is associated with a nearly 40% reduction in asthma attacks and a 20% reduction in COPD flare-ups. Presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in September 2026, the research highlights the connection between metabolic health and respiratory care. However, experts emphasize that clinical trials are still required to confirm these benefits before altering standard prescribing guidelines.
Semaglutide asthma attack reduction
▪A study led by Imperial College London found that semaglutide use was associated with a nearly 40% reduction in asthma attacks
▪Dr. Bohee Lee presented the research linking semaglutide to reduced asthma attacks at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona, Spain, in September 2026
▪GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity, may have anti-inflammatory effects and improve lung-related outcomes according to previous research
▪Prior to the September 2026 study, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outcomes had not been included in GLP-1 receptor agonist drug trials
UK electronic medical records analysis
▪Researchers analyzed UK electronic medical records across four parallel studies, each involving 20,000 to 22,000 people starting GLP-1 medications or sulfonylureas
▪The UK medical records analysis compared patients prescribed GLP-1 therapies to comparable patients prescribed sulfonylureas, which are another type of diabetes medication
Clinical trial recommendations needed
▪Professor Chloe Bloom stated that patients should not start GLP-1 receptor agonists specifically for lung conditions outside of current prescribing guidance
▪Professor Chloe Bloom emphasized that the association between GLP-1 receptor agonists and reduced respiratory attacks requires confirmation in future clinical trials
Metabolic health respiratory care
▪Dr. Alexander Mathioudakis supported including respiratory outcomes like asthma attacks and lung function in future clinical trials of metabolic therapies
▪Dr. Alexander Mathioudakis stated that obesity and metabolic dysfunction are common, under-recognized problems in airways disease that must be addressed in respiratory care
COPD flare-up reduction
▪The study led by Imperial College London found that semaglutide use was associated with a 20% reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease flare-ups
▪Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prescribed GLP-1 therapies experienced fewer flare-ups than comparable patients prescribed other diabetes medications
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