Nature Communications (May 19): Semaglutide Slowed Epigenetic Aging by 9% on DunedinPACE Clock in a 108-Patient Phase 2b RCT of HIV-Associated Lipohypertrophy
Researchers at UC San Diego and partner institutions published in Nature Communications on May 19, 2026 the first randomized, placebo-controlled clinical-trial evidence that semaglutide slows multiple validated epigenetic biomarkers of biological aging. The 32-week double-blind Phase 2b trial randomized 84 adults with HIV-associated lipohypertrophy (semaglutide n=45, placebo n=39). Semaglutide decreased PCGrimAge by 3.1 years (p=0.007), GrimAge V1 by 1.4 years (p=0.02), GrimAge V2 by 2.3 years (p=0.009), PhenoAge by 4.9 years (p=0.004), and slowed DunedinPACE by approximately 9% (-0.09 units, p=0.01). The companion SLIM LIVER study (npj Aging, same day) replicated the directional pattern. The data anchors the case for GLP-1 receptor agonists as candidate health-span extenders beyond their established cardiometabolic effects.