Semaglutide and Cognition in Healthy Volunteers
NCT06363487 · Completed
Last updated 2026-05-28This trial tests whether the medication semaglutide affects learning and memory in healthy adults.
What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06363487 ↗
Description as written by the study sponsor.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). It is a safe medication approved for use in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Primarily, it works by counteracting insulin-resistance and inducing weight loss. It also acts on several other interconnected neurobiological, immunological (esp. inflammatory), endocrine-metabolic, and gut-brain axis processes that play a role in depressive symptoms. Its effects on cognition and energy are currently unknown. In this study we are using semaglutide as an experimental tool to further investigate these relationships.
Treatments tested
- Semaglutide, 0.5 mg/mL Drug
Injected subcutaneously (pre-filled pen) in the upper arm (preferred site), in the abdomen, or in the thigh according to participant's preference. The participant will be asked to wear an eye blindfold during the time of the study medication/placebo administration, to avoid compromising blinding. It is not possible to blind the researcher administering the medication/placebo because semaglutide comes in specific pre-filled pens. The person who administers the subcutaneous injection will be suitably trained and experienced, and have been authorised to do so by the Principal Investigator - they will not be involved in other aspects of the study for that participant to avoid compromising blinding.
- Placebo, 0.9% NaCl 1.5mL Other
Injected subcutaneously (subcutaneous injection syringe) in the upper arm (preferred site), in the abdomen, or in the thigh according to participant's preference. The participant will be asked to wear an eye blindfold during the time of the study medication/placebo administration, to avoid compromising blinding. The person who administers the subcutaneous injection will be suitably trained and experienced, and have been authorised to do so by the Principal Investigator - they will not be involved in other aspects of the study for that participant to avoid compromising blinding.
| Main thing measured | Reward (learning) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Conditions studied | Cognitive Change |
| GLP-1 drugs | semaglutide |
Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06363487 ↗