No current GLP-1 label lists schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as an approved use, so prescribing one for it would be off-label. Meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials (Exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide): In schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with cardiometabolic risk, these lowered weight by 6.17 kg and HbA1c by 0.31 points against placebo or usual care. The authors rate this low certainty. ClinicalTrials.gov lists 14 trials of these medicines on it: 2 with posted results and 2 recruiting now.
Read from the registry and PubMed every day. The newest update here is Oct 24, 2026.
Each read in the paper's abstract on Nov 6, 2026. Trials differ in who took part and how long they ran.
Exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide · 665 people · Better than the comparison · Meta-analysis
In schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with cardiometabolic risk, these lowered weight by 6.17 kg and HbA1c by 0.31 points against placebo or usual care. The authors rate this low certainty.
A trial counts when the registry's conditions or title name this, and some study a related question, such as insulin sensitivity in people with the condition. A registered trial shows a question being asked, not that the answer is yes.
| Medicine | Trials | Posted results | Recruiting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| Liraglutide | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Exenatide | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Dulaglutide | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tirzepatide | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Latest phases and largest trials first. Each result is the first primary outcome as its sponsor posted it to the registry, which is not peer review.
| Trial | Medicine | Phase | People | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCT02417142Exenatide Weekly Injections as an Adjunctive Treatment in Patients With Schizophrenia | Exenatide | Phase 4 | 70 | On ClinicalTrials.gov |
| NCT03158805Saxenda® in Obese or Overweight Patients With Stable Bipolar Disorder (Investigator Initiated) | Liraglutide | Phase 2 | 60 | Percent Change in Body Weight (% change), 40 week. Active Drug: -3.3; Placebo: 0.2. |
The registry page names each site and who can enroll. Ask your clinician before joining one.
| Trial | Medicine | Phase | Expected to finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individualized Pharmacological Approach to Obesity in Patients With Bipolar Disorder | Semaglutide | Phase 4 | Feb 1, 2029 |
| Effects of Tirzepatide on Alcohol Intake in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia and Alcohol Use Disorder | Tirzepatide | Phase 2 | Dec 31, 2028 |
Meta-analysis · Eur Neuropsychopharmacol · Oct 24, 2026 · Gędek A et al.
Meta-analysis · Eur J Clin Pharmacol · Oct 24, 2026 · Zhou L et al.
Randomized trial · Diabetes Care · Oct 20, 2026 · Ganeshalingam AA et al.
Meta-analysis · Schizophr Res · Oct 18, 2026 · Cotrik E et al.
Meta-analysis · J Psychopharmacol · Sep 16, 2026 · Moubarak ES et al.
Meta-analysis · Schizophr Res · Jul 24, 2026 · Sobral MVS et al.
Listed from Europe PMC as published, newest first. A listing here is not a judgement of a study's quality or a recommendation.
Meta-analysis of 10 randomized trials (Exenatide, liraglutide, semaglutide, 665 people): In schizophrenia or bipolar disorder with cardiometabolic risk, these lowered weight by 6.17 kg and HbA1c by 0.31 points against placebo or usual care. The authors rate this low certainty.
Not in any current label we read. A prescriber can still use a medicine off-label, but insurance often limits coverage to approved uses, so ask your plan.
Semaglutide, with 7 registered trials on it, then Liraglutide with 3. More trials do not mean better results: read what each posted.
2 trials are recruiting on ClinicalTrials.gov now, listed below with their registry pages, which name each site and who can enroll.