How genes affect response to a GLP-1 diabetes medication

Pharmacogenetics of the Response to a GLP1R Agonist

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11237560

This project gives semaglutide to overweight or obese adults in the Old Order Amish community to find which genetic differences predict stronger blood sugar and weight responses.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11237560 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

As a participant, you'll be an overweight or obese adult from the Old Order Amish community who takes weekly semaglutide for six weeks. The team will perform two detailed glucose tolerance tests—one before treatment and one after—to measure how your body responds. Researchers will combine those response measurements with genome-wide genetic data to look for DNA differences linked to bigger benefits. The work aims to see whether a person's genes can help predict who gets the most blood sugar control and weight loss from GLP-1 therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are overweight or obese adults from the Old Order Amish community who can take semaglutide and complete baseline and follow-up glucose testing.

Not a fit: People who are not from the recruited community, cannot take GLP-1 medications, or have medical conditions that prevent safe participation are unlikely to qualify or benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors choose GLP-1 drugs for people most likely to get large blood sugar and weight benefits.

How similar studies have performed: GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide reliably lower blood sugar and weight, but using genome-wide genetic testing to predict which individuals will respond best is a newer and not yet proven approach.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.