Abolishing β‐arrestin recruitment is necessary for the full metabolic benefits of G protein‐biased glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists

Abstract Aim Earlier studies have shown that peptide glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists with reduced β‐arrestin recruitment show enhanced anti‐hyperglycaemic efficacy through avoidance of GLP‐1R desensitization. However, the ligand modifications needed to decrease β‐arrestin recruitment usually also reduces GLP‐1R affinity, therefore higher doses are needed. Here we aimed to develop new, long‐acting, G protein‐biased GLP‐1R agonists with acute signalling potency comparable with semaglutide, to provide insights into specific experimental and therapeutic scenarios. Materials and Methods New GLP‐1R agonist peptides were assessed using a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays. Results First, we show that very substantial reductions in β‐arrestin recruitment efficacy are required to realize fully the benefits of GLP‐1R agonism on blood glucose lowering in mice, with more moderate reductions being less effective. Secondly, our lead compound (SRB107) performs substantially better than semaglutide for effects on blood glucose and weight loss, which may be jointly attributable to its biased agonist action and protracted pharmacokinetics. Thirdly, we show that biased agonist‐specific GLP‐1R internalization profiles occur at clinically relevant pharmacological concentrations. Finally, we show that SRB107 cAMP signalling is differentially modulated by single and double GLP1R coding variants seen in human populations, with implications for GLP‐1R agonist pharmacogenomics. Conclusions Completely abolishing β‐arrestin recruitment improves the anti‐hyperglycaemic effects of GLP‐1R agonists in mice.