Overweight – Trials in Disease

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Ongoing Clinical Trials for Overweight

Currently, there are 22 clinical trials investigating new treatments for people with overweight. These studies are testing various medications aimed at weight management, often in combination with lifestyle changes. Many of these trials also include participants with related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease, and knee problems. The trials are being conducted across multiple European countries, offering opportunities for eligible participants to access investigational treatments.

Clinical trial locations

Study of Orforglipron for Weight Management in People with Obesity or Overweight, With or Without Type 2 Diabetes

This trial is testing orforglipron, an oral medication taken once daily, for weight management. The study includes two groups: one for people who have obesity or are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition but without diabetes, and another for those who also have type 2 diabetes.

Who can participate: Adults with a body mass index of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with conditions such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, sleep apnea, or heart disease. Participants must have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet at least once. For the diabetes group, participants must have a hemoglobin A1c level between 7% and 10%.

Who cannot participate: People with a BMI outside the required range, those with certain health conditions that might interfere with the study, people taking medications that could interact with orforglipron, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with a history of pancreatitis or certain thyroid conditions.

What the study involves: The trial lasts 40 weeks. Participants take either orforglipron or placebo tablets once daily. For those without diabetes, the main focus is measuring weight loss. For those with diabetes, the study tracks both weight loss and blood sugar control through hemoglobin A1c measurements.

Medication being tested: Orforglipron is a GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a tablet. It works by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, increases feelings of fullness, slows stomach emptying, and reduces appetite, potentially leading to weight loss.

Study of Tirzepatide for Adults with Type 1 Diabetes and Obesity or Overweight

This trial studies tirzepatide given as a once-weekly injection for adults with type 1 diabetes who are also overweight or have obesity. The medication is compared to a placebo to assess its effects on blood sugar control.

Who can participate: Adults who have had type 1 diabetes and been on insulin treatment for at least one year, with blood glucose levels within specified limits, and who have obesity or are overweight.

Who cannot participate: The exclusion criteria specifically mention that patients with type 1 diabetes cannot participate, which appears contradictory to the inclusion criteria and may be an error in the source data. Generally, participants who are pregnant or planning pregnancy would be excluded.

What the study involves: Participants receive either tirzepatide or placebo injections once weekly for 40 weeks. Throughout the study, hemoglobin A1c levels are monitored to assess blood sugar control improvements.

Medication being tested: Tirzepatide is a medication that helps the body manage insulin and sugar levels more effectively. It is administered as a solution for injection under the skin.

Study on Metformin and Lifestyle Changes for Girls with Early Puberty and Overweight

This trial examines whether metformin combined with lifestyle changes can affect puberty progression in young girls who are experiencing early puberty and are overweight.

Who can participate: Girls aged between 8 and 9.5 years with breast development at stage 2 or higher according to the Tanner scale, specific hormone levels indicating early puberty, and a BMI greater than the 91st percentile. Girls must not have started menstruating yet.

Who cannot participate: Girls outside the specified age range, those without early puberty or who are not overweight, those unable to follow study procedures, and those with medical conditions that might interfere with the study or taking medications that could affect results.

What the study involves: The trial lasts six months. Participants receive either metformin or placebo tablets taken orally at a dose of 1000 mg. They also participate in a lifestyle intervention focusing on diet and physical activity changes. Regular assessments monitor changes in bone age, breast development, and hormone levels.

Medication being tested: Metformin is used to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin. In this trial, researchers are investigating whether it can influence pubertal maturation by affecting bone age in girls with overweight and early puberty.

Study on Testosterone Undecanoate Effects on Liver Fat in Obese Men with Low Testosterone and Type 2 Diabetes or Prediabetes

This trial investigates testosterone undecanoate injections in obese men with low testosterone and type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, focusing on how the treatment affects liver fat content.

Who can participate: Men aged 18 to 75 with a BMI of 25 or higher, type 2 diabetes or prediabetes with specific glucose levels, and confirmed low testosterone levels. Participants must be on stable doses of certain diabetes medications.

Who cannot participate: Women, individuals without low testosterone or without type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, those who are not overweight or obese, and vulnerable populations unable to give informed consent.

What the study involves: The initial phase lasts 52 weeks, during which participants receive either testosterone undecanoate injections or placebo. The medication is given as intramuscular injections of 1000 mg in a 4 ml solution. Liver fat content is monitored using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. After 52 weeks, all participants enter a 108-week open label phase receiving testosterone treatment to study long-term effects.

Medication being tested: Testosterone undecanoate is an androgen and anabolic steroid that supplements testosterone levels, potentially influencing fat distribution and improving metabolic parameters in men with low testosterone and type 2 diabetes.

Study on the Effects of Semaglutide on Mood in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder and Overweight or Obesity

This trial explores whether semaglutide can improve mood in individuals with major depressive disorder who are also overweight or have obesity.

Who can participate: Adults aged 18 to 70 with a diagnosis of unipolar depression, a depression severity score of 13 or higher on a standard scale, and a BMI of 27 or higher.

Who cannot participate: Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse issues, recent major depressive episodes, uncontrolled medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those currently in another trial, those who had electroconvulsive therapy in the past three months, people with severe cognitive impairment, and those with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

What the study involves: The study lasts 26 weeks. Participants receive semaglutide injections under the skin once weekly, starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to a maximum of 2.4 mg. Depression symptoms are tracked using the Major Depression Inventory questionnaire, and weight and other health indicators are regularly measured.

Medication being tested: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a hormone regulating appetite and insulin production. Researchers are investigating whether it can also positively affect mood in people with depression.

Study on the Effects of Tirzepatide on Heart Health in Overweight and Obese Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

This trial examines how tirzepatide affects coronary plaque composition and heart blood vessel function in people who are overweight or obese with coronary artery disease.

Who can participate: Adults aged 18 or older with a BMI of 27 or higher who have been referred for coronary angiography due to stable angina and have specific coronary vessel characteristics, including a lipid core burden index greater than 200.

Who cannot participate: Individuals without overweight or obesity, those without stable coronary artery disease, and people outside the specified age and health criteria.

What the study involves: The trial lasts 52 weeks. Participants receive once-weekly injections of either 15 mg tirzepatide or placebo. Throughout the study, coronary plaque composition is assessed using near-infrared spectroscopy and coronary intravascular ultrasound imaging techniques.

Medication being tested: Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP receptors that works by mimicking hormones regulating blood sugar and appetite, helping reduce food intake and improve insulin sensitivity.

Study on the Safety and Effects of AZD9550 for Overweight and Obese Patients with Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) with or without Type 2 Diabetes

This trial evaluates the safety and effects of AZD9550 in individuals who are overweight or obese with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, with or without type 2 diabetes.

Who can participate: Men and non-childbearing women aged 18 to 65 with a BMI between 27 and 39.9. Those with type 2 diabetes must have controlled blood sugar with stable medication doses for three months. Participants need appropriate veins for blood draws and must be willing to self-administer weekly injections.

Who cannot participate: People with other liver diseases besides NASH, those with recent heart attack or stroke, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, recent participants in other trials, those with drug or alcohol abuse history in the past year, certain cancer types, known allergies to the study medication, and those unable to comply with study procedures.

What the study involves: The study includes multiple parts spanning several weeks. Part A involves four weeks of treatment, Part B involves five weeks with increasing doses, and Part C lasts up to 24 weeks at the maximum tolerated dose. Participants receive weekly subcutaneous injections and undergo regular health assessments including blood tests and imaging studies to measure liver fat.

Medication being tested: AZD9550 is an investigational GLP-1 receptor agonist being studied for its potential to reduce liver inflammation and fat accumulation in patients with NASH.

Study of AZD9550 and AZD6234 combination for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with health complications

This trial investigates whether combining two experimental medications, AZD9550 and AZD6234, leads to greater weight loss than using placebo or single medications alone.

Who can participate: Adults aged 18 to 75 with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition. Participants must have maintained stable weight for three months before screening.

Who cannot participate: People with BMI less than 30 or greater than 50, history of bariatric surgery or planning such surgery, current participation in weight loss programs, significant recent weight changes, type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, recent heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe kidney or liver disease, eating disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, substance abuse, and those unable to follow study procedures.

What the study involves: The treatment period lasts 36 weeks. Participants receive either the combination of both medications, placebo, or individual treatments through injections under the skin. Weight changes are tracked regularly, and various health measurements are taken to assess effectiveness and safety.

Medications being tested: AZD9550 and AZD6234 are investigational medications being studied in combination for weight management, with the goal of helping patients achieve significant weight loss of 5% or more from baseline.

Study of LY3502970 for Adults with Obesity or Overweight and Related Health Issues

This trial tests whether LY3502970 (orforglipron), an oral medication, is more effective than placebo in helping adults with obesity or overweight lose weight.

Who can participate: Adults with obesity or overweight who have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet at least once. If overweight, participants must have at least one condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or heart disease.

Who cannot participate: Individuals outside the specified age range, those without obesity or overweight, people unable to comply with study procedures, those with medical conditions or medications that could interfere with results, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and current participants in other trials.

What the study involves: Participants take LY3502970 or placebo capsules orally once daily. The study monitors weight changes and other health parameters throughout the treatment period, which extends until 2027.

Medication being tested: LY3502970 (orforglipron) is a weight management medication that works by targeting receptors that regulate appetite and metabolism, helping reduce body weight.

Study of LY3502970 for Adults with Obesity or Overweight and Type 2 Diabetes

This trial evaluates whether LY3502970 (orforglipron) is more effective than placebo in helping adults with type 2 diabetes who are overweight or have obesity lose weight.

Who can participate: Adults who are overweight or have obesity with type 2 diabetes on stable treatment for at least 90 days, taking up to three oral blood sugar control medications. Participants must have tried unsuccessfully to lose weight through diet at least once.

Who cannot participate: Individuals outside the specified age range, those without the medical conditions being studied, vulnerable populations not included in the study design, and others not meeting specific health criteria.

What the study involves: The study lasts 72 weeks. Participants take LY3502970 or placebo capsules once daily. Regular monitoring assesses weight changes and other health indicators, with the study concluding in September 2025.

Medication being tested: LY3502970 (orforglipron) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps reduce body weight by targeting pathways regulating appetite and metabolism, decreasing food intake and increasing energy expenditure.

Summary

The 22 ongoing clinical trials for overweight represent a diverse range of approaches to weight management. Several notable patterns emerge from this collection of studies.

Germany hosts the most trials with 9 studies, followed by Spain with 8 and Czechia with 5, indicating strong research activity in these countries. Denmark, Italy, and Poland each host 3 to 5 trials, while Belgium, Austria, Sweden, and other countries participate in smaller numbers of studies.

The medications being tested include orforglipron, tirzepatide, retatrutide, semaglutide, maridebart cafraglutide, and several experimental compounds designated by alphanumeric codes. Many of these are GLP-1 receptor agonists or related medications that work by regulating appetite and blood sugar levels. Most are administered as weekly injections, though some oral formulations are being tested.

The trials frequently include participants with additional health conditions beyond overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, sleep apnea, knee osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, and depression. This reflects the complex relationship between weight and other health issues. Several studies specifically focus on populations with multiple conditions, recognizing that weight management often occurs in the context of other medical challenges.

Study durations typically range from 26 to 72 weeks, with some extending beyond a year. Most trials measure weight loss as the primary outcome, often aiming for reductions of 5% or more from baseline. Some studies also examine effects on organ function, pain levels, mood, and quality of life.

Eligibility criteria commonly require a BMI of 27 or 30 or higher, previous unsuccessful weight loss attempts, and stable weight for several months before enrollment. Exclusion criteria frequently include pregnancy, recent participation in other trials, certain medical conditions, and inability to follow study procedures.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Overweight

  • Semaglutide and Granisetron for Tolerability in Overweight Adults Without Diabetes

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Estonia
  • Effect of semaglutide, acetylsalicylic acid, and clopidogrel on blood clotting in patients with diabetes or overweight with cardiovascular disease

    Not yet recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Italy
  • Study on Maridebart Cafraglutide for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity or Overweight

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Bulgaria Czechia Germany Hungary Italy Poland
  • A study testing cagrilintide and semaglutide combination for kidney damage in people with chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes who are overweight or obese

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    France Greece Hungary Poland Slovakia Spain
  • A study testing cagrilintide for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity and type 2 diabetes

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Croatia Czechia Hungary Romania Slovakia
  • Evaluation of Tirzepatide Versus Placebo in Adolescents with Obesity or Overweight and Weight-Related Comorbidities: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Czechia Italy Poland
  • A study testing maridebart cafraglutide for weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes

    Not recruiting

    2 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Czechia Germany Hungary Poland Spain
  • A Study of Tirzepatide to Reduce Health Problems and Death in Adults with Obesity

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Belgium Czechia France Germany Greece +7
  • A Study of Cagrilintide and Semaglutide for Weight Loss in People with Type 2 Diabetes and Overweight or Obesity

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Germany Hungary Ireland Poland
  • Study of cagrilintide for weight reduction in adults with overweight or obesity when combined with lifestyle changes

    Not recruiting

    3 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Germany Italy Norway Poland