# Bookmarked: GLP-1-der: Weight, there's more. - Author: @gurupanguji - Date: 2025-08-11 - URL: https://gurupanguji.com/blog/2025/08/11/glp-1-der-weight-theres-more/ - Categories: link - Tags: biotech, glp-1, medicine, ozempic --- > Scrutinizing the poor beast, the scientists had a “eureka moment” when they discovered that anglerfish genes coded for several peptides related to the gut hormone glucagon. Scientists later identified that hormone as “glucagon-like peptide 1”—GLP-1. Further research showed that GLP-1 reduced blood sugar levels in mammals, making it a promising candidate for diabetes medication. The problem, however, was that the molecule’s half-life was much too short to serve as a useful medicine. > > ... > > When he studied the lizard’s venom, he discovered that its saliva contained a hormone called exendin-4, which worked much the same way as GLP-1, but lasted much longer. *Source:* [If GLP-1 Drugs Are Good For Everything, Should We All Be on Them?](https://www.derekthompson.org/p/why-does-it-seem-like-glp-1-drugs)

Derek Thompson's GLP-1 essay is a highly recommended read. He explores the genesis, explanations on why it works and posits if all of humanity will benefit from being on it.