Using semaglutide to treat advanced lung disease

Feasibility of Semaglutide Therapy for Weight Loss in Advanced Lung Disease: A Pilot Study

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT05746039

This study is testing if a diabetes and weight loss medication called semaglutide can be safely used by adults with advanced lung diseases to see if it helps them manage their weight better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment8 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT05746039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the feasibility and tolerability of semaglutide, a medication approved for diabetes and obesity, in patients with advanced lung diseases such as interstitial lung disease, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension. The study involves a small group of adults who will undergo pulmonary function tests, physical assessments, and body composition evaluations before and after a 12-week treatment period with semaglutide. Participants will also be monitored for any adverse effects during the therapy. The goal is to determine if patients can tolerate the medication and if it can help them achieve a target weight.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a BMI over 30 and a diagnosis of advanced lung disease requiring supplemental oxygen.

Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, recent weight loss, or certain gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve the management of weight and physical function in patients with advanced lung disease.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of semaglutide in this specific population is novel, similar studies have shown promising results in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of one of the following lung diseases: interstitial lung disease, sarcoidosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or pulmonary hypertension
* Age \> 18
* BMI \> 30 kg/m2
* Requires supplemental oxygen on exertion
* Stable treatment regimen X 90 days
* Use of disease-modifying therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diabetes
* Pregnant or Breastfeeding
* Recent weight loss
* Recent or chronic GI complaints
* History of gastroparesis
* History of scleroderma
* Hospitalized at time of evaluation
* Use of weight loss medication in last 90 days
* Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia (type 2)
* Uncontrolled thyroid disease
* History of acute/chronic pancreatitis
* Prior suicide attempt
* Suicidal ideation in last 90 days
* Presence of a pacemaker or defibrillator

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ObesityInterstitial Lung DiseaseChronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseSarcoidosis, PulmonaryPulmonary Hypertensionsemaglutide
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.