GLP-1 drugs and muscle health in older adults
Official title: Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Sarcopenia in Older Adults
Funded at Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-11288766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how GLP-1 receptor agonists used by older adults might affect muscle mass, strength, and function over six months.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Scottsdale, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $436,228 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG098538-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11288766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults who are prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists and are considering or starting treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Adults not receiving GLP-1 RA therapy or those with conditions that preclude muscle testing.
What this research studies
As an older adult, you may wonder if GLP-1 RA medications could impact your muscles. The project will measure changes in muscle mass, strength, and function before starting GLP-1 RA treatment and six months afterward. Researchers will use stable isotope tracers to understand how muscles grow or break down, examine muscle fiber types, and test mitochondrial function to gauge muscle quality. The approach includes direct analysis of muscle tissue to get a clear picture of how these drugs interact with aging muscle.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could clarify risks to muscle health with GLP-1 RA therapy and guide safer use for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has limited direct measurement of muscle changes in this context; this study provides more direct muscle assessments.
Where this research is happening
-
Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
Scottsdale, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katsanos, Christos S — Arizona State University-Tempe Campus
- Study coordinator: Katsanos, Christos S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.