(Nature) – Compounds inspired by the blockbuster weight-loss drugs are also being trialled for schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease, among other conditions.

The quest for GLP-1 drugs that can treat brain disorders is getting a fresh infusion of energy and funding. Pharmaceutical companies have plunged into developing GLP-1-related compounds to treat addiction, schizophrenia, depression and other conditions — building on years of work by academic scientists.

Last month, pharma giant Eli Lilly presented the first clinical results of brenipatide, a compound related to the company’s blockbuster obesity drug tirzepatide, for treatment of alcohol-use disorder. Last week, biotechnology firm Kariya Pharmaceuticals shared early clinical results of a similar compound, called KP405, for Parkinson’s disease. And biotechnology company Baseline Therapeutics plans to start a clinical trial in early 2027 of a GLP-1 compound for alcohol-use disorder. (Read More)