GLP-1 Weekly Pills Pens and Progress
Posted on July 17, 2026 by Sally-Anne Turner
The last fortnight has been busy in the world of weight loss medications.
On July the 6th, the Wegovy pill launched in the UK, changing the face of how people lose weight. Injections to pills; what could be better?
But what else has been going on in the world of weight loss medication? This is an area that is evolving quickly and our team at the Bodyline Clinic want to help you keep up.
So welcome to the first ever edition of GLP-1 Weekly: Pills, Pens and Progress.
Beyond Weight Loss: GLP-1 Receptors May Also Protect Mental Health
A new genetic study has highlighted that the same GLP-1s behind the Wegovy pill and Ozempic may also have a hand in improving emotional wellbeing.
Semaglutide and liraglutide were explored in this international study from University of Hong Kong, the University of Cambridge and the University of Pennsylvania to assess if there are naturally occurring genetic differences that are linked to higher levels of GLP-1s. It was concluded that genetic variants who had higher levels of GLP-1 activation were associated with:
- Lower odds of developing bipolar disorder.
- Lower odds of developing major depressive disorder.
- Improved overall mental wellbeing.
Interesting theory and findings, but why might this happen? Researchers on the project have stipulated many theories, including:
- GLP-1 receptors may be present in the brain.
- Activating these receptors may start the process of neuroinflammation, which has been linked to major depression and other psychiatric illnesses.
- GLP-1 signalling could potentially improve communication between brain cells.
- GLP-1s could influence neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, specifically dopamine and serotonin.
- The activation could help protect nerve cells from damage and improve overall brain function.
However, the researchers stress that these findings do not prove that GLP-1 medications treat mental illness, and clinical trials are still needed.
Want to check out the paper? Find it here.
$100 Million Study to Investigate GLP-1 Drugs and Dementia Prevention
A clinical trial called PROTECT-Cog has been launched to investigate whether taking GLP-1 receptor agonists alongside a healthy lifestyle can prevent or delay dementia.
The $100 million clinical trial is set to be a prospective, randomised clinical trial. It seeks to test brain health in older adults or those who are at an increased risk of cognitive decline. This allows for a more controlled look at the impact of this drug alongside lifestyle changes, over previous research, which has been observational.
But why GLP-1s?
Researchers think that GLP-1s may:
- Drastically reduce inflammation in the brain.
- Help with insulin signalling.
- Protect nerve cells.
- Aid in blood vessel functioning.
- Reduce amyloid and tau protein accumulation. These are harmful plaques and tangles linked to Alzheimer's disease.
The study is being led by the Alzheimer's Association, in collaboration with US research centres.
Dr Maria Carrillo, Chief Science Officer at the Alzheimer's Association and principal investigator, said:
"PROTECT-Cog builds directly on what we learned from US POINTER and takes the next critical step in prevention science."
Like the study looking at the link between GLP-1s and mental health, this doesn't prove that these medications prevent dementia.
It is one of the largest dementia prevention trials to date. If it is successful, it could expand the role of GLP-1 medication beyond obesity and diabetes into the area of one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases to date. Now that's exciting.
See the original press release here.
Could This Tiny Implant End Weekly Weight Loss Injections?
With all weight loss medications, there is a noted issue with adherence to the schedule, whether that is injections or taking pills.
Many of those who use Ozempic, or other medications stop within a year, usually due to the side effects or difficulties getting access to the medications. Thus, they regain weight.
The answer? A California-based medical technology company called Vivani Medical is developing a long-acting implant. With semaglutide as the main ingredient, this implant the size of a matchstick is placed just under the skin. If successful, it could deliver a predictable dose into the blood for six months to a year. No injections. No pills. No new routine needed!
At the time of writing, this implant is experimental.
According to Vivani Medical:
- This implant has obtained regulatory approval to begin its first-in-human study.
- The initial trial, known as SLIM-1 (Semaglutide ultra Long-acting IMplant), is expected to begin shortly.
- Interestingly, Vivani has entered into talks with Novo Nordisk (the company behind Wegovy) to evaluate this implant technology for use where chronic management of weight is needed.
So, could the answer to long-term success with weight be based on a matchstick? Only time will tell. Check out the press release here.
At the Bodyline Clinic, we are always excited to learn about new developments in the field of GLP-1s and weight loss. Our aim as a clinic is to help people to lose weight successfully, with the professional oversight of our clinical team.
Sources
GLP-1 receptor activation linked to lower depression and bipolar disorder odds
Major trial launched to explore GLP-1 benefit in dementia | pharmaphorum
A tiny GLP-1 implant is the latest bet to help patients maintain their weight loss
