Understanding GLP-1 RAs Evolving Role, Potential in Asthma, With Ruchi Patel, MD

In the last decade, few topics in medicine have captured the attention of multiple medical specialties in the same fashion as the ascent of GLP-1 receptor agonists from adjunct for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes to a central part role in treatment algorithms for 1-in-8 patients in the US.

With agents in the class now boasting indications for cardiovascular, nephrotic, and hepatic benefits, the demand for access has never been greater. Now, data from the 2026 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) Annual Meeting suggest the class could also help prevent exacerbations among patients with asthma.

“Asthma exacerbations can be disruptive for patients, especially those living with obesity, who often have fewer effective treatment options. Our findings suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may be associated with fewer asthma exacerbations in non-diabetic patients, pointing to a promising new direction that could ultimately improve day-to-day asthma control and quality of life,” said primary investigator Ruchi Patel, MD, of Rutgers New Jersey, in a press release.

In a retrospective cohort study, investigators evaluated the association between GLP-1 receptor agonist initiation and asthma exacerbation risk among overweight and obese adults without diabetes. Using data from the global TriNetX research network, researchers identified patients with asthma categorized as overweight (BMI 25.00–29.99 kg/m²), obese, or morbid obesity (BMI ≥40.00 kg/m²). Exacerbation rates were assessed over a 3-year follow-up period, comparing patients who initiated GLP-1 therapy with those who had no GLP-1 exposure.

Propensity score matching was performed within each BMI category to balance baseline characteristics. The matched cohorts included 710 overweight patients, 1515 patients with obesity, and 1249 patients with morbid obesity.

GLP-1 initiation was consistently associated with a lower risk of asthma exacerbation across all groups. In the overweight cohort, treatment was associated with a risk ratio of 0.748 and an absolute risk reduction of 14.6%. Among obese patients, the risk ratio was 0.790 with a 12.2% absolute risk reduction. In the morbidly obese cohort, the risk ratio was 0.780 with a 13.3% absolute risk reduction.

For more on how primary care should navigate the rising popularity rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists and the observed benefits of use, check out interview with Patel from the conference floor at AAAAI 2026.

Patel has no relevant disclosures to report.

References:

1. KFF. Poll: 1 in 8 Adults Say They Are Currently Taking a GLP-1 Drug for Weight Loss, Diabetes or Another Condition, Even as Half Say the Drugs Are Difficult to Afford | KFF. KFF. Published November 14, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.kff.org/public-opinion/poll-1-in-8-adults-say-they-are-currently-taking-a-glp-1-drug-for-weight-loss-diabetes-or-another-condition-even-as-half-say-the-drugs-are-difficult-to-afford/

2. AAAAI. GLP-1s Associated with Reduced Asthma & Diabetes. Aaaai.org. Published February 10, 2026. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.aaaai.org/about/news/news/2026/glp1

3. Livingston R, Campbell P. Beyond Weight Loss: How GLP-1 RAs Established a Role in Cardiology in 2025. HCPLive.com. Published December 9, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.hcplive.com/view/beyond-weight-loss-how-glp-1-ras-established-a-role-in-cardiology-in-2025