
A study published in *Nature* on Sept. 2, 2026, found that semaglutide, the active compound in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, extended the median lifespan of mice by 12% when administered from the equivalent of age 70 in humans. The research, led by Danica Chen at the University of California, Berkeley, showed treated mice lived a median of 834 days compared to 742 days for the control group, with nearly 20% of treated mice exceeding 900 days .
The mice also exhibited improved cognitive function, immunity, metabolism, and cellular regeneration, according to the study. Chen stated the doses were equivalent to those prescribed to humans, and the drug replicated benefits of caloric restriction—known to delay aging in animals—without inducing hunger. Treated mice consumed 24% less food but showed gains beyond weight loss, including better muscle function and exploratory behavior .
A separate team at Berkeley, led by Yufan Feng, reported similar findings in *Nature*, noting reduced inflammation, slower cell aging, and even neuron regeneration in the hippocampus of treated mice. The study confirmed semaglutide’s role in lowering caloric intake by 24%, mirroring effects seen in forced dietary restriction .
Researchers emphasized that further studies are needed to determine if these effects translate to humans. Semaglutide, which mimics the hormone GLP-1 to regulate insulin and appetite, has already been linked to reduced risks of heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as potential benefits against neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s .
Follow us for live European news
3 further sources not geolocated