Effects of Semaglutide on Cognition in Healthy Adults
Effects of Single-dose Semaglutide on Cognition and Energy in Healthy Volunteers
NA · University of Oxford · NCT06363487
This study tests whether the medication semaglutide can improve thinking and energy levels in healthy adults to see if it might help with depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06363487 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of semaglutide, a medication primarily used for type-2 diabetes and obesity, on cognitive function and energy levels in healthy volunteers. By examining how semaglutide influences reward sensitivity and emotional cognition, the research aims to explore its potential repurposing for treating depressive disorders. Participants will receive either semaglutide or a placebo, and their cognitive and energy profiles will be assessed. The study seeks to clarify the neurobiological mechanisms underlying semaglutide's effects, which are currently not well understood.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 21 to 55 with a BMI between 18 and 30 who are not taking any regular medications.
Not a fit: Patients with significant psychiatric illnesses or those currently on prescribed medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into new treatment options for cognitive impairments associated with depression.
How similar studies have performed: While there is preliminary evidence suggesting the safety and potential benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists in neuropsychiatric contexts, this specific investigation into semaglutide's cognitive effects is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female * Aged from 21 to 55 years * Body Mass Index (BMI) from 18 to 30 (because our main outcomes involve cognitive and energy measures, this decision regarding the BMI range has been taken with the purpose of including a more homogeneous sample of healthy participants in terms of baseline cognitive and energy levels) * Sufficiently fluent English to understand and complete the tasks * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the research * Not currently taking any regular medications (except the contraceptive pill) Exclusion Criteria: * Currently on any regular prescribed medications (except the contraceptive pill), unless unlikely to compromise safety or affect data quality in the opinion of the medical supervisor according to clinical judgement * History of, or current significant psychiatric illness in the opinion of the medical supervisor according to clinical judgement * Current alcohol or substance misuse disorder (\<6 months) * Current moderate or severe dyslexia * History of, or current significant medical illness in the opinion of the medical supervisor according to clinical judgement * History of, or current pancreatitis * History of, or current severe congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, hepatic disease * History of, or current significant neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy) * History of, or current significant thyroid disorder * History (including family history) of, or current multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type-2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) * Known type-1 or type-2 diabetes mellitus * Known hypersensitivity to the study drug (i.e., semaglutide) * Pregnant, breast feeding, or person of child-bearing potential not using appropriate contraceptive measures including hormonal contraception, intrauterine device, bilateral tubal occlusion, vasectomised partner, condom, absolute sexual abstinence - periodic sexual abstinence, withdrawal, and spermicides-only are not acceptable methods of contraception * Participation in a study that uses the same or similar computer tasks (O-ETB, see below) as those used in the present study * Participation in a study that involves the use of a medication within the last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Oxford, Oxfordshire
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford — Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Riccardo De Giorgi, MD, DPhil, MRCPsych
- Email: riccardo.degiorgi@psych.ox.ac.uk
- Phone: 01865618326
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cognitive Change, Semaglutide, Healthy volunteers, Experimental medicine, Cognition, Reward, Emotional processing, Memory