Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, often called GLP-1 drugs, have become some of the most talked-about medicines in the world.
These medications were first developed to help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
Later, researchers discovered that they could also help people lose weight and lower their risk of heart disease. Drugs such as semaglutide, which is sold under brand names including Ozempic and Wegovy, are now used by millions of people worldwide.
As scientists continue studying these medications, an intriguing question has emerged. Could these drugs do more than improve blood sugar and weight? Could they also influence the biological processes linked to aging?
A new study from researchers at the University of California San Diego and collaborating institutions suggests that the answer may be yes.
The research, published in Nature Communications, provides some of the first evidence from a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that semaglutide may slow certain biological processes associated with aging in humans.
The study focused on adults living with HIV. Thanks to modern treatments, many people with HIV now live long and healthy lives.
However, previous research has shown that people with HIV often experience signs of accelerated biological aging, even when their infection is well controlled with medication. Scientists believe chronic inflammation and immune system activation may contribute to this process.
The researchers analyzed data from 108 adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy, a condition in which excess fat accumulates around the abdomen. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either weekly semaglutide injections or placebo injections for 32 weeks.
To measure biological aging, the scientists used advanced tools known as epigenetic clocks. These clocks examine chemical markers called DNA methylation patterns.
These markers do not change a person’s genes, but they can influence how genes function. Researchers have found that these patterns can provide valuable clues about biological aging and future health risks.
The results were encouraging. Compared with participants receiving placebo injections, those treated with semaglutide showed slower biological aging across multiple measurements. The medication appeared to influence aging markers linked to inflammation as well as the health of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, and metabolism.
One important measure known as the DunedinPACE clock suggested that semaglutide slowed the pace of biological aging by approximately 9%. Another measure, called PCGrimAge, indicated slower biological processes associated with age-related diseases and overall mortality risk.
The researchers believe several mechanisms may explain these findings. Semaglutide reduces inflammation, improves metabolic health, and helps reduce harmful fat deposits around organs.
These changes may lessen the biological stress that contributes to aging. Emerging evidence also suggests that GLP-1 drugs may directly influence the behavior of cells in different tissues throughout the body.
The team also discussed findings from a related pilot study involving people with HIV and fatty liver disease. That study found that semaglutide reduced biological aging markers in many participants and was associated with reduced liver fat and improved physical function.
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Source: University of California San Diego.
