Comparing diabetes medicines to slow or reverse artery plaque in people with coronary artery disease and prediabetes

A Randomized, Open-label, Clinical Trial Evaluating the Anti-atherosclerotic Efficacy of Selected Antidiabetic Drugs in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Pre-diabetes

Phase 4 Interventional National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland · NCT07254572

The study will test whether semaglutide or dapagliflozin works better than metformin at slowing or reversing coronary artery plaque in people with coronary artery disease and prediabetes over 24 months.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Warsaw)
Trial IDNCT07254572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with coronary atherosclerosis confirmed by coronary CT and prediabetic blood glucose or HbA1c levels will be assigned to receive oral semaglutide (14 mg), dapagliflozin, or metformin alongside optimal medical therapy and lifestyle support. Participants will be followed for 24 months with coronary CT imaging to measure progression or regression of plaque and changes in plaque characteristics. The trial will also monitor standard cardiovascular risk factors and medication tolerability. Outcomes focus on change in coronary atherosclerosis burden and plaque composition compared between the treatment groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with coronary artery atherosclerosis confirmed by coronary CT and prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or HbA1c 5.70–6.49%) who have stable risk‑factor management and can give informed consent are eligible.

Not a fit: People who already have diagnosed diabetes, no CT evidence of coronary atherosclerosis, or contraindications to the study drugs (for example significant renal impairment or intolerance) are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the treatments could slow or reverse coronary plaque progression and improve cardiovascular risk profiles in people with prediabetes and coronary artery disease.

How similar studies have performed: GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors have shown cardiovascular outcome benefits in people with diabetes, but direct evidence for coronary plaque regression in prediabetes is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 - 80
* Diagnosed coronary artery disease (coronary artery stenosis of at least 20% with a reference diameter of \>2.5 mm or status after percutaneous coronary revascularization procedure found on coronary CT scan)
* Coronary CT scan performed \<3 months after inclusion in the study, at least of good quality
* Pre-diabetic status defined as fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg% or Hba1c 5.70-6.49% (measurement documented at the screening/randomization appointment or within 30 days prior to the screening/randomization appointment) or documented, positive result of an oral glucose load test (fasting blood glucose 100-125 mg% and 140-199 mg% 2h after a 75 g oral glucose load) performed up to 30 days before the screening/randomization appointment
* Stable treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors, including dietary and lifestyle management for at least 4 weeks
* Willing and able to give informed consent to participate in the study
* Willing and able, according to the researcher, to comply with all the requirements of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe valvular defect
* Clinical condition requiring surgical treatment of coronary artery disease
* Status after coronary artery bypass surgery
* Diagnosed diabetes or Hba1c\>=6.5% at screening/randomization appointment
* Other severe medical conditions requiring scheduled hospital treatment at the time of the study
* Severe musculoskeletal conditions requiring specific rehabilitation recommendations
* Diagnosed heart failure
* Presence of an artificial valve, cardiac pacing system or other implantable device (such as a cardioverter defibrillator)
* Severe arrhythmia/unexplained loss of consciousness
* Other contraindications to physical activity
* No consent to participate in the study
* Use of glucose-lowering drugs other than metformin
* Use of weight-loss drugs
* Condition after bariatric surgery
* Diagnosed liver disease or ALT, AST above three times the upper limit of normal at screening appointment
* Uncompensated hyperthyroidism
* Pancreatic cancer
* Medullary thyroid cancer
* History of anaphylactic shock after iodine contrast administration
* Chronic kidney disease (eGFR \<45 ml/min/1.73 m2)
* History of pancreatitis or active pancreatitis
* Body mass index (BMI) \>40 kg/m2
* Pregnancy/lactation
* Participation in another clinical trial
* Other known contraindications to treatment with metformin, dapagliflozin or semaglutide

Where this trial is running

Warsaw

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseasePreDiabetesPrediabetesCoronary PlaqueMetforminSGLT-2GLP-1
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.