GLP-1 Drugs Show Promise in Reversing Biological Aging, Study Suggests

Manufacturers of popular GLP-1 drugs, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, have presented findings suggesting that these medications may not only aid in weight loss but also significantly slow down the biological aging process. The companies' research indicates that the drugs could potentially reverse biological age by two to three years.

These findings were shared during the Aging Research & Drug Discovery conference. The data suggests that patients taking GLP-1 medications, particularly those who are overweight or have type 2 diabetes, experienced a reduction in their biological age. Geneticist Steve Horvath, known for developing aging clocks, described a two-year difference as a substantial effect and characterized GLP-1 drugs as potential "geroprotectors" – substances that may slow or reverse biological aging.

Novo Nordisk conducted a study involving over 10,000 participants, comparing those on semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) with a placebo group. Blood samples were analyzed using "proteomic clocks," which assess biological age by measuring protein levels and predicting mortality risk. Eli Lilly conducted a similar study using "epigenetic" clocks on their drug tirzepatide, which examine DNA methylation patterns to determine age.

While the precise extent of aging reversal varied depending on the measurement method and the specific organ or biological system analyzed, both studies indicated a significant slowing of molecular aging. One clock that examined heart proteins suggested an aging reduction of up to four years. Researchers noted that multiple other studies have demonstrated that GLP-1s can improve health metrics such as blood pressure and cholesterol, through mechanisms related to both weight loss and independent of weight changes, all of which can influence biological aging.

However, it remains unclear if these anti-aging effects would extend to individuals who are not overweight or do not have type 2 diabetes. Despite potential side effects and adverse events associated with these medications, the research points towards substantial benefits for aging and longevity. Kevin Duffin, vice president for aging research at Lilly, stated that while dramatic age reversal is not expected, the observed reduction is significant.

Further investment in exploring these anti-aging effects is underway. The US agency ARPA-H has committed $38 million to a study investigating whether semaglutide can impact cognition, mobility, and sensory acuity in healthy individuals over the age of 60.