GLP-1 Drugs Show Early Signs of Slowing Biological Aging, Researchers Say

New research presented at the Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference in October 2026 suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists, the class of drugs that includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, may slow biological markers of aging, though scientists caution the findings are preliminary.

Data from the Surmount V clinical trial, which studied tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), showed that participants over 50 had biological clocks that advanced more slowly than their chronological age during the study period. In some cases, biological markers indicated that organs were functioning as if they were younger than at the start of the trial.

A separate study published in Nature Communications in June 2026 provided randomized, placebo-controlled evidence that semaglutide slowed biological aging in adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy. That study found a 9 percent slower pace of aging according to the DunedinPACE biological clock, along with improved markers for heart, kidney, and liver function.

Researchers believe the potential anti-aging effects may stem from the drugs' ability to reduce systemic inflammation and metabolic stress, two processes closely linked to accelerated aging. Some studies in mice have also shown that semaglutide improved cognitive function and blood sugar management more effectively than calorie restriction alone.

Scientists are urging caution about interpreting these results. Most of the data comes from people with obesity, diabetes, or HIV, and the effects on lean, healthy individuals are unknown. It also remains unclear how much of the benefit comes from the drug itself versus the secondary effects of weight loss.

Researchers say it is too early to recommend GLP-1 drugs specifically for longevity purposes, and that longer-term studies with larger, more diverse populations are needed before any such conclusions can be drawn.