Weight loss drugs may prevent MS

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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38566910/

A reporting odds ratio (ROR) of 0.161, was observed for liraglutide (Saxenda).

ChatGPT explainer: Here’s how to interpret this value:

Understanding the ROR:
ROR = 0.161 means that the odds of MS occurring in users of liraglutide are 0.161 times the odds of MS occurring in non-users.
Essentially, this ratio is significantly less than 1, indicating that the occurrence of MS among users of liraglutide is lower than in those not using the drug.
Practical Implications:
Reduced Risk: The ROR of 0.161 suggests that taking liraglutide is associated with about an 83.9% reduction in the risk of MS compared to those not taking the drug (since 1 - 0.161 = 0.839 or 83.9%).

Potential Protective Effect: In clinical terms, this strong inverse association might indicate a protective effect of liraglutide against the development of MS. This could be particularly relevant for patients at higher risk of MS, such as those with obesity, given the previously noted links between obesity and MS.

Consideration for Therapy: If further validated through rigorous clinical trials, liraglutide could be considered for repurposing as a preventive treatment for MS, particularly in patient groups where obesity is a concern.

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People considering liraglutide may wish to read the prescribing information. This drug can have serious side effects including thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatf ... 341lbl.pdf

• Thyroid C-cell tumors in animals: Human relevance unknown. Counsel patients regarding the risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma and the symptoms of thyroid tumors (5.1).

• Pancreatitis: In clinical trials, there were more cases of pancreatitis among Victoza-treated patients than among comparator-treated patients. If pancreatitis is suspected, Victoza and other potentially suspect drugs should be discontinued. Victoza should not be restarted if pancreatitis is confirmed. Use with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis (5.2).

• Serious hypoglycemia: Can occur when Victoza is used with an insulin secretagogue (e.g. a sulfonylurea). Consider lowering the dose of the insulin secretagogue to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia (5.3).

• Macrovascular outcomes: There have been no studies establishing conclusive evidence of macrovascular risk reduction with Victoza or any other antidiabetic drug (5.4).