Prescribing patterns and impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in a kidney transplant evaluation cohort in British Columbia, Canada

A single-center experience

Authors

  • Hyunwoong Harry Chae University of British Columbia
  • Cindy Luo Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Canada
  • David Harriman Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
  • Christopher Nguan Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9689

Keywords:

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, Diabetes, Chronic kidney disease, Kidney transplant

Abstract

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have demonstrated weight loss and cardiometabolic benefits in specific subpopulations. Studies of GLP-1RAs in Canadian end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplantation (KT) patients are limited.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients evaluated for potential KT at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) between January 2014 and August 2024. We analyzed prescription patterns, weight changes, and post-transplant outcomes.

Results: At evaluation, 63/2789 (2.3%) patients were on a GLP-1RA. The proportion of GLP-1RA users increased from 0% in 2014–2018, 0.3% (1/366) in 2019, and 8.7% (20/231) in 2024. There was a mean weight change of -1.82 kg (1.93%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.46 to -0.19, p=0.031; n=26) at six months and -2.50 kg (2.62%, 95% CI -4.47 to -0.52, p=0.016; n=25) at 12 months post-initiation. Twenty-six patients received a KT and had a median followup of 1.14 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.19−1.79) years. Only 11 patients were on a GLP-1RA at one year post-transplant and had available post-transplant outcome data. No significant differences were detected in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (67, IQR 65.5−78 vs. 59, IQR 45−75 mL/min/1.73 m², p=0.18), graft failure (0% vs. 4.6%, p=1) and mortality (0% vs. 3.0%, p=1) between GLP-1RA users vs. non-users at one year post-KT.

Conclusions: GLP-1RA use in BC’s KT evaluation cohort increased since 2019 and was associated with modest weight loss at six and 12 months post-initiation. No significant differences in post-transplant outcomes were detected. This provides preliminary support for GLP-1RAs as a potentially safe weight management strategy for Canadian KT candidates.

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Published

2026-07-07

How to Cite

Chae, H. H., Luo, C., Harriman, D., & Nguan, C. (2026). Prescribing patterns and impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in a kidney transplant evaluation cohort in British Columbia, Canada: A single-center experience. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 20(10). https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.9689

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 10 (2026): CUAJ October

Section

Original Research

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