As a reader of this newsletter, you are likely knowledgeable about GLP-1s. But if you’ve ever had trouble explaining how these medicines work to others like patients, family members, or new hires, a resource that I created may help. It’s a scroll-through explainer in the form of a subway ride, and it’s harder to explain than to experience. Climb aboard, ideally with sound on, and take a ride (about 5-10 minutes).
There are seven stops, starting with the triggered release of GLP-1 at L-Cell Junction and moving through Islet Plaza (the pancreas) and Hypothalamus Heights before arriving at the Outer Boroughs (other organ effects). The subway ride relies in part on the data gathering that I do for the GLP-1 Field Guides, with material only from authoritative sources, listed as part of the resource.
I built it as an interactive explainer because I saw many sources on the web with standard explanations and with illustrations showing arrows coming from GLP-1 and pointing to many organs. These didn’t feel particularly memorable or helpful in understanding the actions and side effects. I have a background of creating interactive material to explain medical concepts and wanted to see if I could create something useful and engaging, similar to what I did when I founded and led HMX.
Check it out and please let me know any feedback. Feel free also to tell me what you think the next subway line should be.
Get in touch: Reply to this email, leave a comment on the post, or find me on X @GLP1observer. Explore the GLP-1 dashboard at glp1.bio1up.com or see the GLP-1 Verdict, the obesity-drug scoreboard. For explainers, browse the GLP-1 Field Guides by mechanism class or ride the GLP-1 Subway, a scroll-through tour of how GLP-1 works in the body.