Researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla have found that GLP-1 medications, known as the "wonder drugs," can improve insulin release, treat diabetes, reduce blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. The study, funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and private donors, found that a protein named Mediator plays a key role in making GLP.-1 drugs more impactful. The discovery was made by senior author Dr. Marc Montminy, a biochemist, physiologist, and distinguished professor emeritus at the institute. The findings could pave the way for a new generation of therapies that could be even more specific for where they act on the body.