Semaglutide Study Shows Slower Biological Aging in People with HIV

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego tested whether semaglutide, a GLP‑1 receptor agonist used for diabetes and obesity, could affect biological aging. In a 32‑week, double‑blind trial, 108 adults living with HIV‑associated lipohypertrophy received weekly injections of semaglutide or a placebo.

Using epigenetic clocks that measure DNA‑methylation patterns, the study found that participants on semaglutide experienced a roughly 9% reduction in the pace of biological aging according to the DunedinPACE metric, alongside improvements in other aging‑related markers across multiple organs. The authors note that semaglutide is not an anti‑aging cure and that the findings indicate temporary changes in biological markers rather than guaranteed longer life or disease prevention.