In recent months, a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists — widely known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity — has gained attention for a surprising new possibility: helping to treat Alzheimer's disease.

This potential breakthrough is generating excitement as researchers await results from EVOKE and EVOKE+, two global clinical trials studying semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug. These findings could represent a pivotal moment for Alzheimer's care, shaping how the disease is treated and managed for years to come.

What Are GLP-1s?

GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) are medications designed to help the body regulate blood sugar levels. 

You may recognize some of the most common GLP-1 drugs by name:

• Semaglutide: Sold under the brand names Ozempic®, Wegovy® and Rybelsus®

• Liraglutide: Marketed as Victoza® and Saxenda®

• Tirzepatide: Known as Mounjaro® and Zepbound™

While originally developed for diabetes and weight management, GLP-1s may also have effects on the brain and nervous system. Research suggests these drugs could reduce brain inflammation, improve blood vessel health and even protect neurons. These findings have opened the door to exploring whether GLP-1s could be repurposed to help treat or prevent Alzheimer's.

The EVOKE and EVOKE+ Trials: Why They Matter

There are two global Phase 3 clinical studies that are underway to answer an important question: Can semaglutide slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease?

• EVOKE: Testing semaglutide in people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, including mild cognitive impairment.

• EVOKE+: Testing semaglutide but expanding to a broader population, allowing participants who have extensive small blood vessel damage in the brain.

Expected later this year, the results could have far-reaching implications. If semaglutide proves effective, it would be the first drug originally approved for another condition to be repurposed and made widely available for Alzheimer's treatment. Because semaglutide is already on the market and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for other health conditions, access could potentially happen much faster than with a brand-new medication.

If the data are positive, the drug's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, may apply for regulatory approval to market semaglutide for Alzheimer's disease. This process will involve careful review of safety and efficacy by the FDA and other global agencies, and decisions about how and when the drug can be prescribed.

Beyond Semaglutide: A Growing Pipeline

While semaglutide is the first GLP-1 being studied in large Alzheimer's trials, it is not the only drug of interest. Other GLP-1s may also have protective effects on the brain:

• Liraglutide: Early studies, including data presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® (AAIC®), suggest it may lower the risk of dementia by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

• Tirzepatide: This newer drug that combines GLP-1 action with other mechanisms is now being explored in preliminary studies.

• Future therapies: Scientists are developing next-generation GLP-1 drugs that may have an even greater impact on brain health.

• Combination therapies: Some trials may give us an initial understanding of potential combination approaches where GLP-1s could be combined with a monoclonal anti-amyloid treatment approved to treat Alzheimer's disease or other emerging therapies. This future approach may allow for treatments to target multiple biological pathways simultaneously, creating the potential for a greater therapeutic impact.

This growing research pipeline provides hope that GLP-1s could become part of a new class of Alzheimer's treatments, potentially complementing other approaches that target amyloid and tau proteins.

What This Means for Families and Caregivers

As we await the EVOKE trial results, families and individuals living with Alzheimer's may have questions about what this means for them right now.

Here's what to keep in mind:

• Do not start or stop medications without your health care provider's guidance. While semaglutide and other GLP-1s are already available for diabetes and other conditions, the version of semaglutide being tested in clinical trials is not yet approved for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Important information about safety and efficacy are pending.

• More data is needed. While early findings around GLP-1 drugs are encouraging, we strongly believe in the importance of thorough clinical testing to ensure both efficacy and safety before any treatment becomes widely available.

• Stay informed. The Alzheimer's Association will provide updates as soon as trial results are released, helping you understand what the findings mean and how to discuss them with your health care team. Sign up for E-News to be among the first to know about new developments on GLP-1 drugs and other emerging therapies. 

• Explore clinical trial opportunities. Participating in research remains one of the most powerful ways to move science forward. You can learn more about research participation through TrialMatch, a free, easy-to-use research studies matching service that connects individuals living with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease or another dementia, caregivers and healthy participants with current studies in their area.

Our Commitment to the Alzheimer's Community

The time between a promising trial announcement and final regulatory decisions can be filled with both hope and uncertainty. The Alzheimer's Association is here to guide families, health professionals and policymakers through this moment.

The coming months will be pivotal for Alzheimer's research and care. Help make sure the Association can continue to provide critical information and programs to people facing Alzheimer's today and tomorrow. Donate now.