How GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic could help prevent lung scarring after COVID

• Some people develop long COVID after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, and people with type 2 diabetes have an especially high risk.
• People in this group also have a higher risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis, a form of lung scarring.
• A new study finds that GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, may help reduce that risk.

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong investigated why people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to experience respiratory complications after COVID-19 and what can be done to prevent this.

They discovered that inflammatory immune cells may contribute to lung scarring after a SARS-CoV-2 infection and that GLP-1 medications may offer protection.

The results are published in the Journal of Virology.