Study Reveals Genetic Variant Limits Effectiveness of GLP-1 Medications for Some Patients
A recent study has identified a genetic variant, p.S539W, in the PAM gene that affects the efficacy of GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, which are used for weight loss and blood sugar management. The research, led by Dr. Anna Louise Gloyn from Stanford University School of Medicine, found that individuals with this variant have an 18% reduction in sensitivity to the GLP-1 hormone, which is crucial for regulating blood sugar and appetite. The study involved 19 participants with the variant and 19 without, revealing that those with the variant showed increased GLP-1 hormone levels but reduced sensitivity. This finding was further supported by an analysis of clinical trials involving 1,119 participants, where only 11.5% of those with the p.S539W variant managed their blood sugar levels effectively using GLP-1 medications. 
