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

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06003153

PhasePHASE4

Enrollment125

SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

Genetic Predisposition, Metabolic Diseases, Type 2 Diabetes

About this study

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.

Interventions

Drug: oral 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.
Other: Mixed Meal Tolerance Test (MMTT) — 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.

Primary outcomes

Insulin response to oral semaglutide treatment (15 days)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males or non-pregnant females 2. Ages 18-65 (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

Study locations

Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114 United States

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.