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Liraglutide (Saxenda(R)) in Adolescents With Obesity After Sleeve Gastrectomy

Phase II Trial of Liraglutide (Saxenda(R), Novo Nordisk) in Adolescents With Obesity After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Pilot Open-Label Study

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04883346
Enrollment
34
Registered
2021-05-12
Start date
2021-06-21
Completion date
2024-04-30
Last updated
2024-11-20

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Obesity, Status Post Sleeve Gastrectomy

Keywords

Children, glucagon-like peptide, Weight Loss, pharmacotherapy for obesity, Bariatric Surgery

Brief summary

Background: Metabolic Bariatric Surgery, including a surgery called vertical sleeve gastrectomy, is the most effective weight loss treatment for severe obesity. However, many adolescents who have this surgery still have obesity 1 year later or regain weight. Researchers want to see if a drug can help. Objective: To learn if liraglutide can help adolescents who still have obesity 1 year or more after vertical sleeve gastrectomy lose additional weight. Eligibility: Healthy adolescents ages 12-20.99 years who are 1-10 years post vertical sleeve gastrectomy and have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or \>=95th percentile for age and sex. Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Questionnaires about their mood and feelings about their weight Blood and urine tests Nutrition counseling. They will keep a diet log. A test where they view and respond to pictures of food Wrist accelerometer set-up. They will wear an accelerometer (a device like a watch) on their wrist for 14 days. It will measure their physical activity. Some screening tests will be repeated during the study. Participants will have an oral glucose tolerance test. They will ingest a sweet liquid. Blood samples will be taken. Participants will take liraglutide daily for 16 weeks. They will learn how to inject it under their skin. Participants will have a body scan to measure muscle and fat. Participants will be invited to eat as much as they want at a buffet meal at NIH. How much food they eat will be calculated. They will assess their appetite and mood before and after the meal. Participation will last for 7 months. Participants will have up to 7 study visits....

Detailed description

Study Description: This trial is an open-label Phase II non-randomized pilot study conducted at the NIH Clinical Center to investigate the efficacy of daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP1) analogue to promote reduction of body mass index (BMI) in adolescents who continue to have obesity (BMI (Bullet)30 or BMI \>=95th percentile for age and sex) 1 year or more after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We hypothesize that administration of liraglutide will be associated with reduction in BMI in such adolescents. Objectives: Primary objective: To determine the effect size for the change in BMI of liraglutide 3.0 mg daily subcutaneously at 16 weeks in adolescents who have obesity after SG, in order to use the observed changes to determine the sample size of a subsequent randomized, controlled investigation. Hypothesis: The Primary Endpoint is estimation of required sample size for a later randomized controlled trial through calculation of effect size for change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 16 weeks of liraglutide. The hypothesis is: The data will be sufficient to calculate the effect size for change in BMI from baseline to 16 weeks for a 2-group experiment (placebo versus liraglutide). Secondary objectives: To study the effects of 16 weeks of liraglutide 3.0 mg subcutaneously on change in mean BMI and fat mass in adolescents who underwent vertical sleeve gastrectomy (SG) \>=1y prior to study initiation but still have obesity or have a recrudescence of obesity despite surgery. To compare the effects of liraglutide on BMI and fat mass in enrolled participants who had a poor initial response to SG (\<20% BMI reduction at BMI nadir) vs. those with a typical post-SG weight loss (\>=20% BMI reduction at BMI nadir). Additional Objectives: To examine the effects of daily subcutaneous liraglutide in enrolled participants on changes in body composition, metabolic syndrome markers, energy intake, glucose tolerance, gastrointestinal (GI) hormone concentrations, appetite, free living physical activity, mood, suicidality, weight related quality of life, self-perception of body image, and secretome. Endpoints: Primary Endpoint: Estimation of required sample size for a later RCT through calculation of effect size for change in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to 16 weeks of liraglutide. Key Secondary Endpoints: Changes in BMI and fat mass after 16 weeks of liraglutide Comparison of changes in BMI and fat mass after 16 weeks of liraglutide in participants who had a poor initial response to SG (\<20% BMI reduction at BMI nadir) vs. those with a typical post-S weight loss (\>=20% BMI reduction at BMI nadir) Tolerability and safety of liraglutide 3.0 mg. Additional (exploratory) Endpoints: Change from baseline to 16 weeks of liraglutide in: 1. Proportion reducing BMI by at least 5% and 10% 2. BMI standard deviation score for age and sex (BMIz) 3. Body weight 4. Percentage total body fat mass by DXA 5. Appetite score using visual analog scale (VAS) 6. Attention bias to highly palatable images 7. Energy intake at buffet meal 8. Free living physical activity by accelerometry 9. Metabolic syndrome markers (waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipids, fasting plasma glucose level) 10. Fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR index 11. 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) insulin and glucose measurements 12. Hemoglobin A1C 13. Plasma GI hormones (GLP-1 and PYY) during OGTT 14. Weight related quality of life (QoL) score 15. Beck Depression Inventory total score 16. Body-Esteem Scale Score for Adolescents and Adults 17. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale 18. Secretome analysis 19. Stool microbiome analysis

Interventions

DRUGLiraglutide

Liraglutide by subcutaneous injection administered daily. Dose will be initiated at 0.6mg per day and increased to a maximum of 3.0 mg per day as tolerated.

Sponsors

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
12 Years to 20 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Male or female, 12-20.999 years at screening visit 2. 12 months or more status-post vertical sleeve gastrectomy with a maximum of 10 years after surgery 3. BMI 30 kg/m2 or greater than or equal to 95th percentile for age and sex 4. In good general health as evidenced by medical history 5. Ability to take subcutaneous medication and be willing to adhere to the daily subcutaneous liraglutide regimen 6. Ability to provide consent/assent before any trial-related activities as required per protocol 7. Stated availability for the duration of the study

Exclusion criteria

An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Current or recent (within 3 months of start of study drug initiation) use of weight loss medications such as phentermine, topiramate, lisdexamfetamine (prescribed specifically for weight loss; when prescribed for ADHD and dose is stable for last 3 months this medication will be allowed), orlistat, and naltrexone HCl/bupropion HCl, or liraglutide 2. Weight of more than 450 lbs. (because Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scanning cannot be done in those exceeding this weight) 3. Current use of insulin or sulfonylurea or other medication affecting insulin secretion or GLP1 clearance such as a DPPIV inhibitor 4. Weight loss of more than 3% of body weight in the past 2 months 5. Current pregnancy, desire to become pregnant within study period, current lactation or, if sexually active, not willing to use adequate contraceptive measures 6. History of recurrent pancreatitis (greater than 2 episodes) 7. History of chronic kidney disease (eGFR \<60) 8. History of gastroparesis 9. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 10. History of prior metabolic and bariatric surgery other than vertical sleeve gastrectomy 11. Current or prior use of any GLP-1 agonist medication during the 6 months before screening, including liraglutide. 12. Known or suspected allergy to trial medication, excipients, or related products 13. Treatment with another investigational drug or other experimental intervention within 3 months prior to enrollment in this trial 14. Individuals who have current substance abuse or a DSM 5 Axis I psychiatric disorder or DSM Axis II Mental Retardation diagnosis that in the opinion of the investigators would impede competence, compliance, or participation in the study 15. Suicidal ideation type 4 or 5, history of past suicide attempt, and suicidal behavior in the past month 16. Presence of a major medical illness not listed above

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cohen's d (the Standardized Mean Difference)16 weeksThe change in BMI (kg/m2) measured from the baseline visit to the week 16 visit was used to inform a power calculation for a subsequent randomized controlled trial, assuming no change in BMI for the placebo group and the change in BMI that was found in this study at 16 weeks for the liraglutide group. There is no statistical analysis associated with this result.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in Fat Mass16 weeksChange in fat mass (in kg) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing
Change in BMI16 weeksThe change in BMI (kg/m2) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing
Change in Body Mass Index Z-score16 weeksThe change in Body Mass Index Z-score (standard deviation score for age and sex based on US Centers for Disease Control Standards from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing. Please see description for Body Mass Index Z-score in baseline information section for more details on calculation of Body Mass Index Z-score.
Change in Body Weight16 weeksThe change in body weight (kg) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

A total of 43 participants were screened in person. A total of 34 participants were found eligible and prescribed liraglutide

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Liraglutide
Treated with Liraglutide Liraglutide: Liraglutide by subcutaneous injection administered daily. Dose was initiated at 0.6mg per day and increased to a maximum of 3.0 mg per day as tolerated.
34
Total34

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicLiraglutide
Age, Continuous17.97 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2
BMI41.2 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.7
Body Mass Index Z-score2.70 Z-score
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.95
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
7 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
27 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
22 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
4 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
7 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
34 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
12 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
22 Participants
Suboptimal response to sleeve gastrectomy (<20% BMI rediction at BMI nadir8 Participants
Weight114.9 kg
STANDARD_DEVIATION 21
Years after vertical sleeve gastrectomy was performed2.12 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 1.13

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 34
other
Total, other adverse events
19 / 34
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 34

Outcome results

Primary

Cohen's d (the Standardized Mean Difference)

The change in BMI (kg/m2) measured from the baseline visit to the week 16 visit was used to inform a power calculation for a subsequent randomized controlled trial, assuming no change in BMI for the placebo group and the change in BMI that was found in this study at 16 weeks for the liraglutide group. There is no statistical analysis associated with this result.

Time frame: 16 weeks

Population: Intent to treat sample

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
LiraglutideCohen's d (the Standardized Mean Difference)2.145 cohen's d
Secondary

Change in BMI

The change in BMI (kg/m2) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing

Time frame: 16 weeks

Population: Intent to treat analysis using last observation carried forward

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
LiraglutideChange in BMI-1.7 kg/m2Standard Deviation 1.5
p-value: <0.001t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Change in Body Mass Index Z-score

The change in Body Mass Index Z-score (standard deviation score for age and sex based on US Centers for Disease Control Standards from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing. Please see description for Body Mass Index Z-score in baseline information section for more details on calculation of Body Mass Index Z-score.

Time frame: 16 weeks

Population: Intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
LiraglutideChange in Body Mass Index Z-score-0.2 Z-scoreStandard Deviation 0.1
p-value: <0.001t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Change in Body Weight

The change in body weight (kg) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing

Time frame: 16 weeks

Population: Intent to treat sample with last observation carried forward

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
LiraglutideChange in Body Weight-4.4 kgStandard Deviation 4.4
p-value: <0.001t-test, 2 sided
Secondary

Change in Fat Mass

Change in fat mass (in kg) from baseline to the week 16 visit using the full intention to treat sample with last observation carried forward if data were missing

Time frame: 16 weeks

Population: Intent to treat analysis using last observation carried forward. Note one participant did not have data at baseline.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
LiraglutideChange in Fat Mass-3.2 kgStandard Deviation 3.4
p-value: <0.001t-test, 2 sided

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 11, 2026