Verapamil for beta cell function in teens and adults with CF-related dysglycemia
Official title: The Effect of Verapamil on beta cell function in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis-related dysglycemia
Funded at Rhode Island Hospital · NIH-11340008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will test whether the blood pressure medicine verapamil can help preserve insulin-producing cells in people with cystic fibrosis–related dysglycemia, including teens and adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rhode Island Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | August 31, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $343,940 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK147006-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11340008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are adolescents over 14 and adults with CF who have abnormal glucose tolerance or CFRD risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CF-related dysglycemia or with contraindications to verapamil may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project will enroll about 30 adolescents over 14 and adults with CF-related dysglycemia to receive verapamil and monitor changes in beta cell function and safety. The team will use a pre/post design to compare beta cell activity before and after the intervention while tracking glucose tolerance and adverse events. By focusing on a medication already commonly used for other conditions, the study aims to find a potential new use that could slow progression to CFRD. Results could inform future larger trials and broader treatment approaches for CF patients at risk of diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, verapamil could help preserve insulin production and delay CFRD in people with CF-related dysglycemia.
How similar studies have gone: Some data in type 1 and type 2 diabetes suggest verapamil may protect beta cells, but this specific CF-related context is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Rhode Island Hospital
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scully, Kevin James — Rhode Island Hospital
- Study coordinator: Scully, Kevin James
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.