The Power of Discovery: GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

November 11, 2025 · Baton Rouge, LA

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For years, Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been instrumental in GLP-1 drug research

Life-changing medications don’t happen overnight. For years, Pennington Biomedical Research Center has been instrumental in GLP-1 drug research, ensuring that these treatments are not only effective but also safe for people across the globe. Today, GLP-1 drugs give millions of people new hope in their weight-loss journey, helping them achieve healthier lives and better long-term outcomes. But there’s still more to learn, and our scientists are already hard at work on the next generation of treatments.

LSU Boyd Professor Dr. Steven Heymsfield of Pennington Biomedical has had a distinguished career in obesity research and drug development. He has played a pivotal role in advancing treatments that target one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. With a background that includes significant work at a pharmaceutical company developing obesity drugs, the trajectory of Dr. Heymsfield’s research experience ultimately led him to Pennington Biomedical, where he continues his extensive research.

As Director of the Metabolism & Body Composition Laborato­ry, one of Dr. Heymsfield’s key contributions is his involvement in the discovery and development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs that have become a major breakthrough in obesity treatment.

The origins of GLP-1 drugs trace back to a fascinating source – a compound found in the saliva of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the American Southwest. This compound, known as exenatide, mimics the effects of GLP-1, a hormone that plays a critical role in appetite suppres­sion, insulin secretion and glucose metabolism.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide -1) are a class of drugs that mimic a hormone in the body to help control blood glucose levels and insulin. They are used to treat type 2 diabetes and weight loss, and some are also approved for heart disease. Trade names include Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, Mounjaro and Trulicity, among others. The first GLP- 1 medication (Exenatide) was approved in 2005 by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, so GLP-1 research has been ongoing for over 20 years.

“The application of these drugs in millions of people who are overweight and obese and leading them to lose weight is a remarkable observation,” he said. “I’ve worked in the field for many years, and this is the first time we’ve seen a drug that’s not only very effective but is safe even in children and adoles­cents with severe obesity.”

At Pennington Biomedical, Dr. Heymsfield emphasizes the importance of long-term, rigorous research in developing safe and effective treatments.

He noted that it can take 10 or more years to develop a new drug – and often drugs fail. Phase 3 clinical trials, which test new treat­ments in larger groups of people, are particularly crucial in ensuring that a drug works as intended and has minimal side effects.

The impact of GLP-1 drugs on public health has already been profound. With the obesity epidemic contributing to rising rates of diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions, GLP-1 therapies represent a potential turning point in the fight against these diseases. Dr. Heymsfield is especially hopeful that these drugs can help prevent type 2 diabetes, offering a proactive approach to metabolic health.

“GLP-1s will have a major impact on public health over the years to come,” Heymsfield said. “They can improve weight loss and health and reduce mortality. We’re excited about the many new applications of these drugs.”