GLPwatch

Effects of GLP1-RA on Ectopic Fat Deposition in Chronic Kidney Disease

NCT05254418 · Completed

Last updated 2026-05-28

This clinical trial is testing whether a medication called GLP1-RA can change fat buildup in muscles, as measured by MRI, in people with chronic kidney disease.

Status Completed The study has finished.
Phase Phase 2 Tests whether it works and watches safety in a moderate group.
Type Interventional (clinical trial)
Design open-label (no blinding) study
Participants 7 people
Who can join Ages 18–75 · all sexes
Timeline Started 2022-03 · est. completion 2024-08
Where 1 site · United States

What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05254418 ↗

Description as written by the study sponsor.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a burden of morbidity and mortality. Increased protein breakdown in skeletal muscle (wasting) and ectopic fat deposition are important determinants of poor clinical outcome in patient with CKD. Insulin resistance plays a critical role in skeletal muscle wasting and ectopic fat deposition. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) decrease ectopic fat deposition in patients with type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, obese and overweight subjects. The influence of GLP-1RA on ectopic fat deposition in CKD patients in unknown. The investigators' will test the hypothesis that GLP-1RA decreases intermuscular (ectopic) fat deposition in patients with stage 3-4 CKD. The investigators' will do so by addressing the following specific aims: Specific Aim 1: To test the hypothesis that GLP-1RA decreases intermuscular fat deposition in patients with stage 3-4 CKD. Specific Aim 2: To test the hypothesis that GLP-1RA improves skeletal muscle mitochondrial function in patients with stage 3-4 CKD. Specific Aim 3: To test the hypothesis that GLP-1RA improves physical performance in patients with stage 3-4 CKD. Specific Aim 4: To test the safety and feasibility of 12 weeks of dulaglutide 1.5 mg/wk administration as an adjunct therapy to the standard care of patients with stage 3-4 CKD.

Treatments tested

Main thing measuredChanges in Intermuscular Fat Deposition as Assessed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center
Conditions studiedChronic Kidney Diseases
GLP-1 drugs

Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05254418 ↗