NAD+ therapy to boost brown fat metabolism in adults
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) Metabolism in Human Brown Adipose Tissue
This trial will test whether giving an NAD+ precursor to sedentary adults aged 30–55 can boost brown fat activity and improve insulin sensitivity in both normal-weight and centrally obese people.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 30 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Turku Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Turku) |
| Trial ID | NCT06627868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study gives participants either an NAD+ precursor or a placebo and measures effects on brown adipose tissue using PET/CT imaging alongside metabolic testing. Participants are sedentary adults aged 30–55 and include both normal-weight subjects and people with central obesity. The design compares treatment to placebo to see changes in brown fat metabolism and whole-body insulin sensitivity. Results will clarify whether NAD+-based molecular therapies could be a viable approach to improving metabolic health in humans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 30–55 who are either normal-weight (BMI 18–25) or have central obesity (BMI ≥28 with waist circumference >100 cm in men or >90 cm in women) and can undergo PET/CT and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: People with diabetes, significant thyroid dysfunction, nicotine use, pregnancy or recent lactation, inability to undergo PET/CT, or other exclusionary conditions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the treatment could increase brown fat activity and improve insulin sensitivity, potentially helping prevent weight gain and lower diabetes risk.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work and some early human studies suggest NAD+ precursors can improve metabolic markers, but direct evidence for enhancing human brown fat function is limited and this application is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willingness to provide informed consent to participate in the BATNAD study * Must be able to read and speak English/Finnish/Swedish well enough to completely understand the instructions and provide informed consent * Age 30-55 (sedentary lifestyle) * BMI = 18-25 kg/m2 (normal-weight subjects) * BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 and waist circumference more than 100 cm in men and more than 90 cm in women (subjects with obesity) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to have PET/CT (claustrophobia, metal implants, recent tattoo including metal components, weight \> 200 kg) * Pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions (postpartum/lactation during the last 12 months, or planning to become pregnant soon) * Major alterations in the menstrual cycle (e.g., amenorrhea) * Use of nicotine based products * Hypo- or hyper- thyroidism (medical history, TSH, T3 or T4 levels out of the normal range) * Diabetes mellitus (fasting Hb1Ac \>6.5% or fasting glycaemia\> 7.0 mmol/) * Abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (2h OGTT \> 11.1 mmol/L) * Hypertension (blood pressure \> 160/100 mmHg) * Abnormal cardiovascular status (arrhythmia and/or long QTc in ECG, abnormal cardiac murmur, previous history of cardiovascular disease) * Abnormal coagulopathy (e.g., clotting abnormality) * Malignancies * Immunological, autoimmune and primary/secondary immunodeficiency disorders (including or not any active treatment) * Virus or bacterial infection (both asymptomatic and symptomatic picture) within the 45 days prior to the study start * Vaccination within the 45 days prior to the study start * Episode of fever or major surgery, burns and traumas within the month prior to the study start * Chronic infections requiring chronic antibiotic or anti-viral treatment * Whole blood donation in the last 3 months (\>400 mL of blood) or plans for blood donation during the entire protocol period * Weight change (intentional or not) over the last 6-months more than 5% of body weight, or plan to lose weight during the study * Allergy to lidocaine or epinephrine, or other local anaesthetics * Previous participation to studies where PET or CT method is used * Use of any medication that, in the opinion of local clinician/researcher, would negatively impact or mitigate full participation and completion, or could influence the study results. This especially applies to the use of β or α adrenergic receptors agonists/antagonists (e.g., β-blockers). * Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopaedic, neurologic, psychiatric or other conditions that, in the opinion of the local clinician/researcher, would preclude participation and successful completion of the protocol, or that would negatively impact or mitigate participation in and completion of the protocol
Where this trial is running
Turku
- Turku PET Centre — Turku, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mueez U-Din, PhD — Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mueez U-Din, PhD
- Email: mueez.udin@utu.fi
- Phone: +358-417027723
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.