Investigating how incretin mimetics affect cancer development in the pancreas

Targeting pancreatic endocrine-exocrine signaling in cancer development with incretin mimetics

NIH-funded research Yale University · NIH-11024645

This study is looking at whether medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help with weight loss and diabetes, might affect the risk of developing a serious type of pancreatic cancer in people who are already at higher risk due to obesity and diabetes.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionYale University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Haven, United States)
Project IDNIH-11024645 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the effects of incretin mimetics, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), on the risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a severe form of cancer. The study aims to clarify whether these medications, commonly used for obesity and diabetes, influence cancer risk, particularly in patients with obesity and diabetes who are already at higher risk for PDAC. By examining the biological mechanisms involved, the research seeks to provide insights into how these drugs may impact pancreatic health and cancer progression. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of the safety and efficacy of GLP-1RAs in relation to cancer risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with obesity and diabetes who are considering or currently using GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Not a fit: Patients without obesity or diabetes, or those not using GLP-1 receptor agonists, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer treatment options for obesity and diabetes that do not increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on GLP-1RAs and their effects, this research aims to provide novel insights specifically regarding their role in pancreatic cancer risk.

Where this research is happening

New Haven, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions addictive disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.