Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists in Rheumatology
GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®, Zepbound®) are prescribed for a growing list of conditions. This August 2025 scoping review published in Autoimmunity Reviews systematically searched existing literature and identified 52 studies and seven clinical trials studying GLP-1s and inflammatory arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic autoimmune disease or other rheumatic conditions. The review found this class of medications shows potential for treating rheumatic diseases. GLP-1s may influence inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress and immune regulation. They show potential as disease-modifying drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory effects are partially linked to weight loss. The authors conclude that GLP-1s hold potential in rheumatology, but additional well-designed studies are needed to test GLP-1s against standard rheumatological treatments and provide long-term safety data.
