GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for weight management in overweight/obese individuals. These drugs mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone GLP-1, which regulates insulin secretion, glucose levels, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
In a recent SolveME YouTube interview Prof. Dr. Carmen Scheibenbogen, former ME Research UK-funded researcher, discussed whether GLP-1 receptor agonists could have potential in the future management of ME/CFS.
She outlined several ways in which these drugs might theoretically counter underlying disease mechanisms in ME/CFS. Proposed benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, improved endothelial function and capillary perfusion, and greater metabolic stability. She also highlighted evidence from related conditions, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) and fibromyalgia, where symptom improvements have been noted whilst taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.
However, she emphasised that, to date, there are no published studies directly investigating GLP-1 receptor agonists in ME/CFS. Two separate clinical trials (led by RECOVER and Scripps) are currently underway in long COVID, although it is unclear whether participants are also being stratified to identify those who also meet diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS. No results from these trials are available yet.
To begin addressing this gap, Prof. Dr. Scheibenbogen and her team in Germany are planning an observational study evaluating GLP-1 receptor agonist Semaglutide in individuals with post-infectious ME/CFS diagnosed using the Canadian Consensus Criteria. The primary outcome will be improvement in physical function, measured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Secondary outcomes will include broader symptom assessment, alongside objective measures such as activity tracking (via Fitbit) and handgrip strength. The team also hopes to identify biomarkers that could help predict treatment response.
There are important limitations to this planned study. It will be small, lack a control group, and include only individuals with a BMI over 27 (falling within licensed use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in Germany). Nonetheless, if results are promising, a randomised, placebo-controlled phase II trial is anticipated.
Watch the full interview for more information, including discussion of side effects
