GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor (dual)

Class

Dual GLP-1/GLP-2 receptor agonist

The glucagon-like peptide receptors, GLP-1R and GLP-2R, are both class B G-protein-coupled receptors normally activated by hormones released from intestinal L-cells after eating. GLP-1 receptor signaling improves glucose regulation by enhancing insulin release in a glucose-dependent manner, suppressing glucagon, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety, making it a validated target in type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-2 receptor signaling instead acts on the intestinal lining itself, promoting growth and repair of the mucosal epithelium, increasing nutrient and fluid absorption, and strengthening the gut barrier, which underlies its relevance in conditions involving intestinal insufficiency or damage, such as short bowel syndrome. A dual agonist engages both receptors with a single molecule, aiming to combine systemic metabolic benefits with local intestinal restorative effects. This combination is rationalized for disease settings where impaired nutrient absorption coexists with metabolic dysregulation, potentially addressing both problems more efficiently than a single-pathway agent. Because both receptors are expressed in distinct but overlapping tissues, dual agonism represents an attempt to achieve broader physiological coverage without requiring two separate therapies.