Infusion of Alpha MSH to Improve Glucose Tolerance in Type 2 Diabetes

Randomized Cross-over Designed Study of the Physiological Impact of Alpha MSH on Glycemic Response to an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Not applicable Interventional Dasman Diabetes Institute · NCT06293664

This study is testing if an infusion of a hormone called alpha-MSH can help people with Type 2 diabetes better manage their blood sugar levels.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment13 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorDasman Diabetes Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kuwait City)
Trial IDNCT06293664 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) infusion on glucose tolerance in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). It is a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study that aims to determine if α-MSH can enhance glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, thereby improving glucose clearance. Participants will receive either α-MSH or a placebo, and their glucose tolerance will be measured to assess the hormone's efficacy. The study builds on pre-clinical findings that suggest α-MSH may improve glucose metabolism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with Type 2 Diabetes who are stable on oral or injectable medications but not using insulin.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of type 1 diabetes or significant cardiovascular, respiratory, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel approach to improving glucose tolerance in patients with Type 2 Diabetes, potentially leading to better management of the condition.

How similar studies have performed: While pre-clinical studies have shown promise, this specific approach using α-MSH in humans with T2DM is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* People with T2DM treated with oral or injectable medications which have been stable for 3 months, but not insulin therapy for type 2 diabetes.
* Stable body weight and HbA1c for at least 3 months
* The participant is capable of giving written informed consent
* The participant is able to read, comprehend and record information written in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous or current psychiatric diagnosis listed in DSM-V Axis 1.
* Significant current or past medical or psychiatric history that, in the opinion of the investigators, contraindicates their participation.
* History of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
* History of endocrine disorder.
* History of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension (current BP \> 160/95 mmHg), heart failure, cardiac arrhythmia, peripheral vascular or cerebrovascular disease.
* History or presence of significant respiratory, gastrointestinal, hepatic, oncological, neurological or renal disease or other condition that in the opinion of the Investigators may affect participant safety or outcome measures.
* Unwillingness or inability to follow the procedures outlined in the protocol.
* History of sensitivity to any of the peptides, or components thereof, or a history of drug or other allergy that, in the opinion of the investigators, contraindicates their participation.
* Use of current regular prescription or over-the-counter medications that in the opinion of the Investigators may affect participant safety or outcome measures.
* Clinically significant abnormalities in screening electrocardiogram (ECG) or blood tests abnormalities which in the opinion of the study physician, is clinically significant and represents a safety risk.
* Current pregnancy or breast-feeding in female participants (the investigators would advise using contraception for the duration of the study).
* Pulse rate \<40 or \>100 beats per minute OR systolic blood pressure \>160 and \<100 and a diastolic blood pressure \>95 and \<50 in the semi-supine position.
* The participant has participated in a clinical trial and has received an investigational product within the following time period prior to the first experimental visit in the current study: 90 days, 5 half-lives or twice the duration of the biological effect of the investigational product (whichever is longer).
* Exposure to more than 3 new investigational medicinal products within 12 months prior to the screening.
* Participants who have donated, or intend to donate, blood within three months before the screening visit or following study visit completion.

Where this trial is running

Kuwait City

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 Type 2 Diabetes MellitusType 2 Diabetes, Alpha-melanocyte stimulatory hormone, OGTT
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.