Health · Pharma & Biotech · 1 hr ago
Early research links GLP-1 drugs to signs of slower biological aging
Researchers are studying whether GLP-1 drugs may slow biological aging as well as help with weight loss and diabetes.
These medicines have also been linked to lower risks of heart, kidney and liver disease, and to improvements in sleep apnea and inflammation.
A Lilly study examined 71 adults over 50 who were overweight but did not have diabetes and had taken tirzepatide for part of a 72-week trial.
The company’s aging research vice president said measurements from the group suggested a reduction in biological age of about three to six years.
Those measurements are still developing and may vary greatly from day to day, so they do not reliably tell individuals how old their bodies are.
Scientists do not yet know who might benefit or whether the findings apply to people who are healthy and not overweight.
Experts say it is too early to take these drugs solely to try to live longer.
Early research suggests GLP-1 drugs may affect biological markers of aging, but the findings do not show that the drugs help people live longer.
A study presented by Eli Lilly examined changes in biological age among participants taking tirzepatide.
Lilly’s vice president of aging research said the measured reduction in age was around three to six years.
Experts cautioned that the research is preliminary and that the measures used are still being developed.
Scientists do not yet know whether any effects apply to healthy people who are not overweight or diabetic.
- Who
- Researchers studying GLP-1 drugs, including Eli Lilly researchers, examined biological aging. The trial participants were adults who were overweight and did not have diabetes.
- What
- Early research linked tirzepatide to changes in biological markers of aging. It does not establish that the drug extends lifespan.
- When
- The trial lasted 72 weeks. The article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The findings were presented at the Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference in Boston.
- Why
- Researchers are investigating whether GLP-1 drugs affect aging because aging is a major risk factor for many diseases.
Eli Lilly researchers
Cautious experts
Interpretation
Eli Lilly researchers
Kevin Duffin said the study showed a reduction in age of around three to six years.
Cautious experts
Experts said the findings are early and do not show that the drugs help people live longer.
Use by healthy people
Eli Lilly researchers
The article does not state Lilly’s position on use by healthy people.
Cautious experts
Experts said it is too early to use the drugs solely in hopes of living longer, particularly for people who are not diabetic or obese.
Lilly’s Surmount V trial randomly assigned more than 700 overweight adults without diabetes to use tirzepatide or semaglutide.
Researchers examined biological-age markers in 71 participants over age 50 who were taking tirzepatide.
Kevin Duffin presented the aging findings at the Aging Research and Drug Discovery conference in Boston.
CNN published its report on the early research.
- Trial
- Lilly’s Surmount V
- Trial duration
- 72 weeks
- Trial participants
- More than 700 adults who were overweight and did not have diabetes
- Aging-study group
- 71 participants over age 50 taking tirzepatide
- Reported age reduction
- Around three to six years, according to Kevin Duffin
- Conference location
- Boston
What people are saying
My concern is that people could overread some of this stuff.
We’re seeing a reduction in age, somewhere around three to six years
It’s not the panacea. It’s not like we’re going to reduce age by 30 years or something, but it’s a significant reduction
Aging is the biggest risk factor for many diseases, and if we can target aging itself, we might be able to treat all kinds of diseases that are associated with aging
Sources
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