Semaglutide to help restore ovulation in youth and adults with PCOS
Official title: Role of semaglutide in restoring ovulation in youth and adults with polycystic ovary syndrome
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11378816 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (semaglutide) to improve ovulation and hormonal balance in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,990 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD108340-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378816 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adolescents or adults with PCOS, particularly those with obesity or insulin resistance, who may benefit from improved ovulation and metabolic health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PCOS or without ovulatory dysfunction may not benefit from this intervention.
What this research studies
If you or your child has PCOS and struggles with irregular periods and weight-related health issues, this research looks at whether an oral semaglutide helps restore ovulation. The study builds on early findings that this drug can improve glucose and weight patterns, and it aims to see if those benefits translate into more regular menstrual cycles and better hormonal balance. Participants would be monitored over several months to track ovulation, insulin sensitivity, and related health measures. The goal is to offer a new option that could improve fertility and reduce long-term health risks for people with PCOS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve ovulation, hormonal balance, and metabolic health for people with PCOS.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in similar GLP-1 RA therapies show potential improvements in menstrual frequency and testosterone levels in PCOS, but results are still early.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cree, Melanie G — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Cree, Melanie G
Related research
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A doctor-scientist team at Boston Children’s Hospital is studying how genetic factors contribute to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) across women, men, and children to understand the root causes.
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This grant looks at how polycystic ovary syndrome begins in teenagers and what early signs help doctors diagnose it accurately.
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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.