FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – North Dakota State University and Sanford Health are launching a new research collaboration to study how next-generation GLP-1 obesity medications affect patients beyond the number on the scale.
The project, called PREDICTors of Clinically Relevant Outcomes on GLP-1 Treatment for Obesity, is backed by a $210,000 investment from NDSU, Sanford Health and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services.
Researchers will evaluate a wide range of outcomes tied to the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, a fast-growing class of drugs that mimic a hormone produced in the body to help regulate appetite and blood sugar.
The study will look at changes in body weight, body composition, balance and fall risk, substance use, quality of life and health care utilization.
Enrollment in the study is expected to open in late July.
Leaders say the project is intended to highlight the strength of collaboration across institutions and research settings, including research hubs within the Sanford Health system in Fargo and Sioux Falls, NDSU and the Center for Advancement in Pharmacy at NDSU. The center, led by pharmacy professor Elizabeth Skoy, supports faculty and pharmacy practitioners across North Dakota.
Current estimates suggest about 1 in 8 U.S. adults is using a GLP-1 medication, according to Sanford Biobehavioral Research, making the research relevant to a rapidly growing segment of the population.
Specific details on how patients can enroll in the study are expected to be released closer to the anticipated late July start date.
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