Understand how incretin signaling (GLP-1 and GIP) integrates with insulin and glucagon across organs to regulate glucose homeostasis, appetite, and energy balance.
Interpret the clinical evidence for GLP-1-based therapies using major outcomes and biomarkers, including HbA1c, weight loss, and different assessments of cardiometabolic risk.
Trace how insights from GLP-1 physiology were translated into drug development, including key molecular engineering strategies used to optimize the stability, duration of action, and delivery of these therapeutics.
Evaluate real-world clinical use, including disease impact, safety profiles, and contraindications, as well as further uses of these medicines as co- and poly-agonists in applications beyond diabetes and obesity.
Cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, have reached epidemic levels worldwide, and can significantly increase the risk of many conditions across other organ systems. Over the past two decades, advances in our understanding of gut-derived hormones—particularly incretins—have reshaped how we treat these conditions.
Early research at Massachusetts General Hospital contributed to identifying the incretin GLP-1, which laid the foundations for the development of GLP-1-based therapies. Today, these medicines are transforming clinical care, delivering meaningful improvements in glycemic control and weight management, and expanding the possibilities for reducing long-term cardiometabolic risk.
For clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals whose work intersects with metabolic health, it is now more essential than ever to understand the physiology, pharmacology, and evidence behind these game-changing therapies. This advanced course offers a unique way to learn from leading Harvard Medical School faculty about how GLP-1-based medicines work and the difference they are making in clinical practice.
