Dr Matt Higgins

My current project focusses on whether the use of glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) during pregnancy affects hypothalamic development and long-term metabolic health in the offspring. GLP1RAs, such as semaglutide sold under the brand name Ozempic, are commonly prescribed for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes, although their use during pregnancy is currently not recommended. However increased GLP1RA used in women of reproductive age had led to an increase in “Ozempic babies”, where women unexpectedly become pregnant whilst using these drugs. Using a mouse model of maternal obesity, I will investigate the developmental origins of the GLP1R circuitry, and whether semaglutide exposure during fetal development affects the development of hypothalamic feeding circuitry. This project is funded by a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship and co-supervised by Dr Alice Adriaenssens at University College London.