Global Landscape and Thematic Evolution of Selective GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and GLP-1–Based Multi-Receptor Agonists in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Aim

To characterize the global development, collaboration structure, publication landscape, citation influence and thematic evolution of research on selective GLP-1 receptor agonists and GLP-1–based multi-receptor agonists in T2DM.

Methods

A bibliometric analysis was conducted on 3736 original articles published between 2004 and 2025 and retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Publication trends, research contributions, collaboration networks, citation impact and thematic evolution were evaluated using complementary bibliometric indicators and network analysis.

Results

Annual publication output increased substantially. Selective-only studies remained the cumulative core of the evidence base, while mixed/comparative and multi-receptor-only studies expanded rapidly in recent years. The United States led in research output and international connectivity, and Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly were the most prominent institutional contributors based on author affiliation analysis. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism was the leading source journal. Research output was highly concentrated across countries but more widely distributed across institutions and authors. Thematic emphasis shifted from incretin biology and glycemic efficacy toward cardiovascular and kidney outcomes, obesity, integrated treatment strategies and real-world evidence. Major trials, particularly LEADER and REWIND, and ADA/EASD consensus statements exerted strong citation influence. Sensitivity analysis supported the overall robustness of the principal findings.

Conclusions

Research on GLP-1–based agonists in T2DM has expanded rapidly and shifted toward an integrated cardiovascular–kidney–metabolic framework. Studies of selective GLP-1RAs remain central to the literature, while studies of newer GLP-1–based multi-receptor agonists are contributing to its diversification. Evidence remains comparatively less developed for longer-term outcomes of emerging agents, treatment sustainability in routine care, patient experience and diverse populations and settings.