2026 Conference | GLP-1 Agonists in Autoimmunity: How these diabetes medications are improving inflammation | Jennifer Bennett, ND, EAMP

Abstract: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), originally developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, are increasingly recognized for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that GLP-1 RAs can attenuate inflammatory cytokine expression, modulate innate and adaptive immune responses, and improve metabolic parameters, with some evidence of direct disease-modifying effects in inflammatory arthritis. Compared to traditional biologic therapies, GLP-1 RAs offer potential advantages in managing metabolic comorbidities and may serve as adjuncts or alternatives to biologics in certain populations.

Presenter Bio: Dr. Jenny Bennett is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of Aria Integrative Medicine, an autoimmune clinic in Seattle. She received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree and Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Bastyr University in 2012. Prior to medical school, she received her BS in Pharmacological Chemistry from the University of California - San Diego, and worked at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine. She is adjunct faculty at Bastyr University, where she currently teaches Rheumatology. She also hosts a 10-week Advanced Autoimmune Mentorship for physicians and students every quarter. She is on the Board of Directors for the GastroANP and has served on the board for the Autoimmune Advocacy Alliance. She is passionate about educating doctors on how to diagnose and treat rheumatologic and autoimmune conditions.

*Certified by the WANP for 1 Category 1 continuing education credit, including 1 Pharmacology credit, for Washington-licensed NDs*

(Originally presented May 2026)