What this trial means for you
This study is opening soon at 1 US site. It's studying Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist：Semaglutide for autism spectrum disorder, obesity.
What participants typically get: study medication (or placebo, if the trial uses one) and study-related medical care at no cost, plus close monitoring. Compensation for time and travel varies by study, ask the site. Note that in many trials you can't choose your treatment group, and some participants receive a placebo.
The study, in the sponsor's words
This study is a 6-month, two-arm, RCT which will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of semaglutide in adolescents aged 12-18 years with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obesity. The primary outcome is change in body mass index (BMI, kg/m²) from baseline to Month 6. Secondary, descriptive outcomes are changes in metabolic parameters (e.g., lipid levels), side effects, and compliance with semaglutide.
Can you join? The exact criteria
Below is the verbatim eligibility text from the registry. Bring it to your doctor; it's written for clinicians, and your own clinician is the right person to interpret it with you.
Full eligibility criteria (for you and your doctor)
Inclusion Criteria (Semaglutide Group): * 12-18 years of age * Epic-confirmed diagnosis of ASD * Obesity defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex * Have Medicaid or other insurance that will cover semaglutide or the parent is willing to pay for semaglutide out of pocket * Have a parent who is willing to provide informed consent * Can attend in-person, e-visits, or telehealth visits for 12 months * English speaking Exclusion Criteria (Semaglutide Group): * Healthworks patient who has lost \>5% body weight over the past 3 months * Are on a weight loss-promoting medication such as Metformin or Topamax with a dose change in the past 3 months * Have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes * Have a personal or first-degree family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia 2 * Have been on GLP-1 RAs in the past 12 months * Have significant GI conditions (e.g., pancreatitis), * Are pregnant or breastfeeding * Have catatonia or a condition that may affect compliance and safety Inclusion Criteria (Historical Control Group): * Healthworks patients treated between January 1, 2021-December 31, 2025 * 12-18 years of age * Confirmed diagnosis of ASD * Have obesity defined as BMI ≥95th percentile for age and sex * Have BMI and SMM outcomes assessed at M0, M6, or M12 * Age groups 12-14 years old and 15-18 years old and sex matched to youth in the semaglutide group
Study sites by state
Ohio
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →
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