Drug Similar to Ozempic Shows Promise in Reversing Aging in Mice
A drug from the same family as Ozempic and Wegovy has shown potential to reverse age-related decline in mice, even at doses too low to cause significant weight loss. Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that treating older mice with exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, led to improved strength, coordination, and even reversed molecular changes associated with aging.
The study focused on middle-aged and elderly male mice who received exenatide for several months. Surprisingly, the low dose used resulted in minimal weight loss or changes in appetite. However, the treated mice demonstrated considerably improved grip strength and balance compared to a placebo group, with improvements lasting up to six months while the control group declined in strength.
Importantly, the benefits were largely seen in older mice – young mice showed virtually no positive response. This suggests the drug targets specific processes that deteriorate with age, rather than simply enhancing normal function. Molecular analysis revealed that age-related changes in the mice’s DNA were actually reversed across multiple organs.
However, it’s crucial to note this research is preliminary. The study was conducted solely on male mice, and did not determine if the treatment extended lifespan. Furthermore, the findings haven’t been tested in humans.
Future research will focus on determining if similar effects can be replicated in people, identifying the optimal dosage, and assessing potential long-term side effects. While promising, the relevance of these findings to human aging remains to be seen.
