Egg-derived peptide IRW tested for blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight.
A Preliminary Human Study on Bioavailability and Efficacy of Bioactive Peptide IRW in Egg White Hydrolysate
This project will test whether a small peptide from egg white (IRW), given in a smoothie, can quickly lower blood sugar and blood pressure in adults who have or are at high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 28 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06555393 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This phase 1 pilot uses a randomized, crossover design in adults with or at high risk for type 2 diabetes who will each attend four single-day treatments separated by at least one week, consuming a standardized breakfast with a smoothie containing different protein powders (including egg white hydrolysate with IRW and controls). Healthy control participants will undergo a single treatment day. The study measures acute effects on blood glucose, blood pressure, and other cardiometabolic markers and will examine IRW bioavailability compared with non-hydrolyzed egg white. IRW is a tripeptide derived from ovotransferrin that has shown ACE2-activating and cardiometabolic benefits in preclinical work, and this study aims to translate those findings into a human feasibility context.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–70 in the Edmonton area who either have or are at high risk for type 2 diabetes (or healthy-weight adults for the single control day).
Not a fit: People with egg allergy, unstable medical conditions, uncontrolled medications, or who cannot attend in-person visits in Edmonton are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, a food-based peptide like IRW could become a low-cost option to help lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and animal studies have shown promising blood pressure and metabolic effects of IRW, but human data are very limited and this pilot is among the first acute human tests.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy control group: * Men and women aged between 18 and 70 years living in Edmonton (or Edmonton area/driving distance). * Normal weight (BMI below 25 kg/m2 or Asian population below 23 kg/m2 ) * Waist circumference below the following ethnic specific cut offs: Canada / USA: \<102 cm men and \<88 cm women; Europids, Middle-Eastern, Sub-Saharan African, and Mediterranean: \<94 cm men and \<80 cm women; Asians, Japanese, South and Central Americans: \<90 cm men and \<80 cm women * Fasting glucose \<5.6 mmol/L * HbA1c \<5.6 % * Blood pressure \<130/85 mmHg * Triglycerides \<1.7 mmol/L * HDL-Cholesterol \>1.03 mmol/L men and \>1.29 mmol/L women * Body weight stable (within 3% fluctuation) for at least 6 months prior to the study * Individuals who have never smoke, have smoke less than 100 cigarettes in their life or who are long term quitter (quit smoking a year or more ago) Individuals at risk of diabetes/having type 2 diabetes: * Men and women aged between 18 and 70 years living in Edmonton (or Edmonton area/driving distance). * Overweight or obesity (BMI above 25 kg/m2 or Asian population above 23 kg/m2) * Waist circumference at or above the following ethnic specific cut offs: Canada / USA: ≥ 102 cm men and ≥ 88 cm women; Europids, Middle-Eastern, Sub-Saharan African, and Mediterranean: ≥ 94 cm men and ≥ 80 cm women; Asians, Japanese, South and Central Americans: ≥ 90 cm men and ≥ 80 cm women * Fasting glucose ≥ 6.0 mmol/L * HbA1c ≥ 6.0 % * Body weight stable (within 3% fluctuation) for at least 6 months prior to the study * Individuals who have never smoke, have smoke less than 100 cigarettes in their life or who are long term quitter (quit smoking a year or more ago) Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with a previous history of CVD, renal disorder, monogenic dyslipidemia, with endocrine disorders other than T2D * Individuals taking chronic anti-inflammatory drugs (including aspirin, antihistamines, and omega-3 supplements) * Pregnant/lactating women * Individuals aged above 70 years * Smokers (current smokers: daily/occasional and those who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their life) * Individuals with specific nutritional restrictions (e.g. vegetarianism excluding eggs from their diet, vegan or with egg allergy) will be excluded * Individuals with poorly controlled (HbA1c \>12.0%) diabetes or taking exogenous insulin will be excluded. Other anti-diabetic and lipid-lowering medications will be documented.
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jianping Wu, PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Paulina Blanco Cervantes, MSc
- Email: blancoce@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 7804929506
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.