October 8, 2026
10 AM - 11:30 AM EST
Introduction to GLP-1 pharmacology
Introduction
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that plays a central role in the regulation of glucose metabolism and energy balance. Its discovery and characterization have led to the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists, a therapeutic class widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
This session provides a foundational overview of GLP-1 physiology and receptor pharmacology. The discussion will examine how GLP-1 regulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and influences central appetite pathways. The session also reviews currently approved GLP-1 receptor agonists, highlighting pharmacokinetic strategies used to extend activity and comparing short- and long-acting agents in clinical practice.
Instructor
Marsha Pierce earned her PhD at Creighton University, where she studied the role of microRNAs in inner ear development and function. She later completed postdoctoral training at Creighton University in the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, focusing on neuroactive natural products.
Dr. Pierce is currently an Associate Professor at Midwestern University. Her laboratory investigates marine-derived natural products with neuroactive properties, with particular emphasis on identifying compounds that modulate neural signaling pathways and may serve as leads for therapeutic development. In this Masterclass, she introduces the physiological and pharmacological foundations of GLP-1 receptor signaling in metabolic disease.
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