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GLUCOSE-MGH: Genetic Links Understood Through Challenge With Oral Semaglutide Exposure at MGH

GLUCOSE-MGH: Genetic Links Understood Through Challenge With Oral Semaglutide Exposure at MGH

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06003153
Acronym
GLUCOSE-MGH
Enrollment
125
Registered
2023-08-21
Start date
2024-03-12
Completion date
2027-05-31
Last updated
2025-05-01

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

Conditions

Genetic Predisposition, Metabolic Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes

Brief summary

The goal of this research study is to evaluate the pathophysiologic mechanisms by which genetic variation impacts response to an FDA-approved medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes called oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) and to characterize the physiological response to a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) before and after a 14-day treatment with oral semaglutide. The investigators will do this by measuring factors in the blood, such as sugars, fats, metabolites, and proteins, after eating a standardized breakfast meal at the first visit and after taking 14 doses of oral semaglutide over two weeks before the second study visit. The food (mixed meal breakfast) we will be studying is specially prepared to contain a set amount of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. The investigators hypothesize that understanding how the acute biochemical response to oral semaglutide differs by genetic variation will generate insight into drug mechanisms and type 2 diabetes pathophysiology.

Detailed description

On day 1 (Visit 1), the research subject will present to the Translational and Clinical Research Center (TCRC) after an overnight fast. We will obtain informed consent, check vital signs, take anthropometric measurements, and draw fasting blood work through an intravenous catheter. The subject will then be provided a standard mixed meal to be consumed within 30 minutes. Additional blood will be drawn at the time of meal completion (0 minutes), as well as 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes following the meal. During study days 3-15, the subject will take 7 mg of oral semaglutide once daily. On day 16 (Visit 2), the research subject will return to the TCRC. During this visit, the subject will take the final (14th) dose of semaglutide, receive fasting blood work, and receive another mixed meal with subsequent blood draws at several time points over 120 minutes.

Interventions

DRUGoral semaglutide

Semaglutide is the only oral glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Participants will receive 7 mg of oral semaglutide once daily for 14 days in between Visit 1 and Visit 2.

The MMTT is developed by the Metabolism and Nutrition Metabolic Kitchen at the MGH TCRC. The meal is a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate and moderate-to-high glycemic index challenge composed of commonly consumed breakfast food items. It provides nearly 90 grams of carbohydrates and mimics an oral glucose challenge. The participants will undergo a MMTT at Visit 1 and Visit 2.

Sponsors

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
CollaboratorNIH
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

1. Males or non-pregnant females 2. Ages 18-50 (inclusive) 3. Able/willing to give consent 4. Span the metabolic range between normal glycemia and pre-diabetes (fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dL based on chart review of existing laboratory data)

Exclusion criteria

1. Currently taking medications or intending to take medications for diabetes 2. Currently taking medications or intending to take medications that affect glycemic parameters, such as glucocorticoids, growth hormone, or fluoroquinolones 3. Personal history of intestinal malabsorption, bariatric surgery, celiac disease, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis 4. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 5. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<60 ml/min/1.73 m2 per the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation 6. History of cirrhosis and/or aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase more than 3x upper limit of normal 7. Dietary restrictions preventing consumption of a MMTT 8. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or at risk of becoming pregnant 9. Participation in other interventional studies during the current study

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Insulin response to oral semaglutide treatment15 daysInvestigators will measure the change in insulin area under the curve (AUC) over 120 minutes of the MMTT, calculated using the trapezoidal method, between Visit 1 and Visit 2 as an index of response to oral semaglutide, and compare this outcome by genotype at selected loci.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fasting glucose response to oral semaglutide treatment15 daysInvestigators will measure the change in fasting glucose over 120 minutes of the MMTT, between the two visits, and compare this outcome by genotype at selected loci.
Cumulative glucose response to oral semaglutide treatment15 daysInvestigators will measure the change in glucose area under the curve (AUC) over 120 minutes of the MMTT, between the two visits, and compare this outcome by genotype at selected loci.
Baseline incretin level120 minutes during Visit 1Investigators will measure levels of GLP-1 during the length of the baseline MMTT (120 minutes) that takes place on Visit 1, and compare changes in the baseline levels by genotype at selected loci.

Countries

United States

Contacts

Primary ContactVarinderpal Kaur
vkaur@mgh.harvard.edu6176435419
Backup ContactJosephine Li
jli71@mgh.harvard.edu617-643-4987

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026