Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) may help reduce systemic inflammation and improve clinical outcomes in autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
During GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Perspectives on Use in Autoimmune Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases, a pair of experts will discuss the evolving landscape of GLP-1 RAs and available evidence for the use of GLP-1 RAs in rheumatologic diseases. The session will be held on Sunday, November 8, from 10:30–11:30 a.m., in Room W415BC of the Orange County Convention Center. A recording of the session will be available to registered participants of ACR Convergence 2026 for on-demand viewing.
“I will be speaking about the recent advances in GLP-1-based medicines, both in their effect on metabolic conditions, like obesity and type 2 diabetes, and their expanding role in protecting the cardiometabolic health of the patient,” said Michael Weintraub, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Langone Medical Center. “What’s really exciting about these medicines is the potential weight-independent benefits they may offer, particularly when it comes to rheumatologic diseases and the potential direct role in decreasing inflammation.”
Veena K. Ranganath, MD, MS, RhMSUS, a clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, will discuss the current evidence regarding GLP-1 RAs in rheumatologic diseases. Early studies suggest that adding GLP-1-based medicines to standard care may have an additive effect in some rheumatologic conditions. In one study of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), adding tirzepatide to current standard care improved disease management compared to standard care alone. This effect appeared early in the study, well before substantial weight loss occurred. This finding supports the hypothesis that direct GLP-1 receptor agonism may reduce inflammation and improve PsA symptoms.
“This is a changing and evolving landscape that we rheumatologists should be cognizant and aware of due to the increasing use of GLP-1s across the world. We should understand how these medications will impact our patients—how they will benefit our patients and how they can potentially expose our patients to risks,” said Dr. Ranganath. “Right now, we have so much more to learn about GLP-1 medications within the rheumatology space prior to us fully being swept up in the hype.”
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If you haven’t registered for ACR Convergence 2026, register today to participate in this year’s premier rheumatology experience, November 6–11 in Orlando, Florida. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through September 30, 2027.
