Researchers in the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery and Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine are leading a new multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate whether semaglutide can improve chronic low back pain in people with obesity.
Led by Jacob Greenberg, MD, of the Taylor Family Department of Neurosurgery, and Burel Goodin, PhD, of the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, in collaboration with Robert Sorge, PhD, and Jake Godzik, MD, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, researchers will evaluate whether semaglutide can reduce back pain severity and disability in people with chronic low back pain and obesity.
Chronic low back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and obesity is a major risk factor for developing low back pain. This study will evaluate whether semaglutide can reduce chronic low back pain in people with obesity.
This research aims to advance new treatment options for people living with chronic low back pain and obesity.
Patient recruitment is anticipated to begin in early 2027. Additional information will be shared as the study progresses.