Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an endogenous peptide which is secreted by enteroendocrine L cells, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can exhibit glucoregulation by stimulating insulin release, promote satiety, delay gastric emptying, and reduce energy intake. Liraglutide is the only GLP-1 RA approved for the treatment of obesity. The phase III clinical study of semaglutide has completed and the result showed significant weight loss effect. GLP-1 RAs have been proven to be safe and effective in clinical trials, they are considered to be promising anti-obesity drugs.

Areas covered: This review provides an overview of recently published patents describing modified GLP-1 RAs, multi-agonists in the treatment or prevention of obesity from January 2015 to April 2020. Moreover, small molecule GLP-1 RAs, recombinant fusion proteins, combination of GLP-1 RAs with other drugs and the preparation of GLP-1 RAs are also covered.

Expert opinion: Currently, research on anti-obesity effect of modified GLP-1 RAs has grown significantly, liraglutide accounts for approximately 56% of the global obesity drug market. Long-acting analogues and multifunctional peptides showed good weight loss activity. As more and more clinical trials are carried out, we believe that GLP-1 RAs will occupy an important position in the market of obesity treatment.