Project Grant R01AG099323

The National Institute on Aging awarded Case Western Reserve University $655,673 on August 15, 2026, under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866) to investigate the therapeutic potential of semaglutide and tirzepatide in Alzheimer's disease across animal models and real-world clinical data through May 31, 2029.

The project addresses critical gaps in AD treatment by examining whether semaglutide improves clinical outcomes in real-world patients with later-stage disease, whether tirzepatide offers comparable or superior benefits, which patient populations benefit most, and the underlying biological mechanisms. Current clinical trials sponsored by Novo Nordisk test semaglutide only in early AD; no trials examine semaglutide in later stages or tirzepatide in any AD stage. The research will collect timely efficacy data on both agents across a wide range of clinical outcomes in real-world AD patients, including those with advanced disease.

Case Western Reserve University's Office of Research Administration, operating in affiliation with University Hospitals of Cleveland, serves as the recipient. The work is performed in Cleveland, Ohio. This is a three-year project grant under the Aging Research program, which supports biomedical, social, and behavioral research directed toward understanding aging and age-related diseases, with emphasis on Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment.