Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapy improves glycaemic control through 
multiple mechanisms, with a low risk of hypoglycaemia and the additional benefit 
of clinically relevant weight loss. Since Starling and Bayliss first proposed 
the existence of intestinal secretions that stimulate the pancreas, tremendous 
progress has been made in the area of incretins. As a number of GLP-1 receptor 
agonists (GLP-1 RAs) continue to become available, physicians will soon face the 
challenge of selecting the right option customized to their patient's needs. The 
following discussion, derived from an extensive literature search using the 
PubMed database, applying the terms incretin, GLP-1, exenatide, liraglutide, 
albiglutide, dulaglutide, lixisenatide, semaglutide, and taspoglutide, provides 
a comprehensive review of existing and upcoming molecules in the GLP-1 RA class 
in terms of their structure, pharmacological profiles, efficacy, safety, and 
convenience. Search Methodology: A literature search was conducted using the 
PubMed database, applying the terms incretin, GLP-1, exenatide, liraglutide, 
albiglutide, dulaglutide, lixisenatide, semaglutide, and taspoglutide. Relevant 
articles were those that discussed structural, pharmacokinetic and 
pharmacodynamic differences, classification, long-acting and short-acting GLP-1 
RAs, phase 3 trials, and expert opinions. Additional targeted searches were 
conducted on diabetes treatment guidelines and reviews on safety, as well as the 
American Diabetes Association/European Society for Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) 
statement on pancreatic safety.