Incretin-based therapies: where will we be 50 years from now?

The development of incretin-based therapies (glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1] receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 [DPP-4] inhibitors) has changed the landscape of type 2 diabetes management over the past decade. Current developments include longer-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists, fixed-ratio combinations of GLP-1 analogues and basal insulin, as well as implantable osmotic minipumps for long-term delivery of GLP-1 receptor agonists. In longer terms, oral or inhaled GLP-1 analogues may become a reality. In addition, oral enhancers of GLP-1 secretion (e.g. via G-protein-coupled receptors, nuclear farnesoid-receptor X and the G-protein-coupled bile acid-activated receptor [TGR5]) are currently being explored in experimental studies. Combination of GLP-1 with other gut hormones (e.g. peptide YY, glucagon, gastrin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide [GIP], secretin, cholecystokinin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) may enhance the glucose- and weight-lowering effect of GLP-1 alone, and dual or triple hormone receptor agonists may even exploit the properties of different peptides with just one molecule. There is also an increasing interest in employing incretin-based therapies in other areas, such as type 1 diabetes, impaired glucose metabolism, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), psoriasis or even neurodegeneration. Thus, incretin-based therapies may continue to broaden the therapeutic spectrum for type 2 diabetes and for various other indications in the coming years. This is one of a series of commentaries under the banner ‘50 years forward’, giving personal opinions on future perspectives in diabetes, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Diabetologia (1965–2015).