Diabetes Clinical Trials: What’s on the Horizon

Diabetes clinical trials pave the way for how we manage and treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and are crucial for developing new treatments and improving lives. 

• They help scientists discover new treatments.
• They improve existing treatments.
• They lead to better management and potential cures.

Exciting Type 1 Diabetes Clinical Trials

Here’s a look at some diabetes clinical trials enrolling, underway, or in the final stages.

1. Cell Therapy: This study is testing VX-264, a new treatment for type 1 diabetes. It uses a special device to hold insulin-producing cells, protecting them so they can help the body make insulin without needing strong immune-suppressing medicine.
2. Stem-Cell-Derived Islet Therapy: VX-880 by Vertex is a stem cell-derived islet therapy to restore insulin production in type 1 diabetes. In Phase 1/2/3 trials, most participants reduced or stopped insulin. It requires lifelong immunosuppression, which has risks.
3. New Cell Therapy: Scientists are testing genetically-modified islet cells to help people with type 1 diabetes make insulin again, controlling blood sugar without the need for insulin therapy. Early results look promising.
4. Siplizumab Study: Doctors at UCSF are testing siplizumab to see if it can protect any remaining insulin-producing cells in recently diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes.
5. DREAM (Device Use Reimagined Through Education And Mentorship): Through peer groups, this study teaches Latinx teenagers with type 1 diabetes about insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), in an effort to improve access and use of diabetes technology, improving health outcomes. 
6. Butyrate Adjuvant Therapy: Mayo Clinic scientists are studying whether butyrate (a fatty acid that plays an important role in digestive health) can help people with type 1 diabetes manage blood sugar alongside standard treatment.

Exciting Type 2 Diabetes Clinical Trials

1. GSBR-1290 Study: Structure Therapeutics is testing an oral medication, GSBR-1290, in a new study for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study will look at different doses over 36 weeks to see how well it helps with weight loss and if it’s safe. Results are expected by the end of 2025. A second study will test even higher doses. This could offer a simpler, oral treatment for people with obesity and related health issues.

2. THC Effects on Glucose Metabolism: Researchers at the University of California, San Diego are examining the impacts of a controlled dose of THC on heart health, blood vessel health and  the body’s natural ability to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

3. Retatrutide Study: The University of California Health is studying a new hormone therapy, retatrutide, to see if it helps people with type 2 diabetes and kidney issues control blood sugar and protect their kidneys.
4. Thiamine Treatment Study: At UCLA, scientists are studying if vitamin B1 (thiamine) can help people with type 2 diabetes, who tend to have low levels of the nutrient, by looking at its effect on brain and thinking skills. The study is open to people ages 40-65.
5. SYNCHRONIZE-CVOT Study This study is investigating the cardiovascular safety of survodutide, a new once-weekly injection for weight management in people with type 2 diabetes. 
6. Tirzepatide for Chronic Kidney Disease This trial is investigating whether tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, can help treat chronic kidney disease in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. 
7. Duodenal Mucosal Resurfacing (DMR) A one-time outpatient intestinal procedure called DMR is being studied to see if it can help people with type 2 diabetes improve their A1C and other diabetes-related measures. 
8. Oral Semaglutide for Preteens and Teens This trial is studying the use of oral semaglutide in preteens and teens with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide (both the oral and injectable GLP-1) is FDA-approved for diabetes management and weight management. 
9. Exercise vs. Weight Loss Medication This trial is studying how a medicine called CagriSema (not yet FDA approved) helps improve blood sugar levels and reduce weight in people with type 2 diabetes compared to exercise alone.

Your Participation Matters

The future of diabetes research is bright, with many promising clinical trials on the horizon. 

These studies offer hope for better treatments and improved quality of life for people with diabetes. 

If you or someone you know is interested in participating, reach out to the organizations mentioned above and learn more about how you can be part of this exciting journey.

How to find a clinical trial that’s right for you

• Joining a trial helps advance diabetes care for all.
• If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about clinical trials. 
• Check trusted sites like Antidote.
• Participation is voluntary, and many clinical trials are paid.

This content was made possible with support from Vertex and Structure Therapeutics, active partners of Beyond Type 1 at the time of publication. Beyond Type 1 maintains editorial control over its content.