UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — GLP-1 Drugs Use, Risks, and Regulation

Q1. With reference to GLP-1 receptor agonists as a drug class, which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

  1. GLP-1 is an incretin hormone secreted by intestinal L-cells.
  2. GLP-1 receptor agonists were originally licensed for Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  3. GLP-1 receptor agonists lower blood glucose primarily by stimulating glucagon release.
  4. Oral tablet formulations of GLP-1 receptor agonists are available.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 3 only
  • C. 3 and 4
  • D. 2 and 3

Q2. The brand names Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus are all marketed formulations of which one of the following GLP-1 molecules?

  • A. Semaglutide
  • B. Liraglutide
  • C. Tirzepatide
  • D. Dulaglutide

Q3. In its first global guideline on GLP-1 medicines for obesity (December 2025), WHO issued only a 'conditional recommendation'. In this context, the 'conditional' nature of the recommendation primarily reflects —

  • A. limited data on long-term efficacy and safety, together with concerns over cost and equity of access
  • B. that the drugs remain legally banned for obesity in most member states
  • C. that the recommendation requires ratification by each country's parliament before use
  • D. that the drugs are recommended only for children and adolescents

Q4. Following the expiry of Novo Nordisk's key semaglutide patent in India in March 2026, approximately how many branded generic versions of semaglutide were launched by Indian drugmakers around that time?

  • A. About 5
  • B. About 15
  • C. More than 50
  • D. More than 500

Q5. Which one of the following is the first approved dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist (a so-called 'twincretin')?

  • A. Semaglutide
  • B. Tirzepatide
  • C. Dulaglutide
  • D. Liraglutide

Q6. According to the Government of India's backgrounder on GLP-1 drugs, which authority has intensified regulatory surveillance against the unauthorised sale and online promotion of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?

  • A. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
  • B. Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the apex authority of CDSCO
  • C. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)
  • D. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)