GLP-1 Agonist Clinical Trials in the UK 2026 — Find Active Studies
GLP-1 receptor agonists have become one of the most talked-about drug classes in medicine. Starting as diabetes treatments, drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have shown remarkable weight loss results and cardiovascular benefits. UK clinical trials are now exploring these drugs in an expanding range of conditions including NASH liver disease, Alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, and even addiction.
GLP-1 Drugs in Clinical Trials
The most studied GLP-1 agonist. Weekly injection (or daily oral tablet). Approved for T2DM and obesity. Trials in cardiovascular disease, NASH, Alzheimer's, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist showing even greater weight loss than semaglutide in head-to-head trials. Approved for T2DM and obesity. Trials in heart failure, NASH, and sleep apnoea.
Triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon) in Phase 3 trials. Shows the most dramatic weight loss results yet — up to 24% body weight reduction in Phase 2.
Combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide (amylin analogue). Phase 3 trials show enhanced weight loss beyond semaglutide alone. A potential next-generation obesity treatment.
Conditions in GLP-1 Trials
- Obesity — The primary focus. Trials for BMI 27+, BMI 30+, and specific populations (adolescents, post-bariatric, with comorbidities)
- Type 2 Diabetes — Comparing newer agents, testing oral formulations, and combination approaches
- Cardiovascular disease — SELECT trial showed semaglutide reduces cardiovascular events by 20%; trials expanding to heart failure
- NASH/MASLD — Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (now called MASLD) is a major new frontier for GLP-1 drugs
- Chronic Kidney Disease — FLOW trial showed semaglutide reduces kidney disease progression by 24%
- Alzheimer's Disease — Early trials exploring neuroprotective effects of GLP-1 agonists
- Sleep Apnoea — Weight loss from GLP-1 drugs significantly improves obstructive sleep apnoea
- PCOS — Weight loss and metabolic improvements in polycystic ovary syndrome
Eligibility for GLP-1 Trials
Eligibility varies widely by trial, but common criteria include:
- BMI thresholds — Most obesity trials require BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- Prior GLP-1 use — Some trials require GLP-1-naive patients; others allow or require prior GLP-1 experience
- No personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer — A standard exclusion for all GLP-1 trials based on rodent data
- No active pancreatitis — History of pancreatitis may exclude you from some trials
- Cardiovascular risk — CV outcome trials require established cardiovascular disease or high risk
Important: GLP-1 drug shortages have been widely reported. Clinical trials provide guaranteed access to these medications alongside close medical monitoring. If you're struggling to access GLP-1 treatment through the NHS, a trial may be an option.
What to Expect
- Most GLP-1 trials involve weekly or daily self-injection (some have oral formulations)
- You'll start at a low dose that increases gradually over weeks to reduce side effects
- Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting — usually temporary
- Regular monitoring: weight, blood sugar, HbA1c, kidney function, and liver enzymes
- Some trials include dietary counselling, exercise programmes, or behavioural support
- Treatment duration varies from 6 months to 2+ years depending on the trial
- You may continue treatment in an extension study after the main trial ends
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