Semaglutide delivered by a needle-free skin patch versus injections in adults with overweight or obesity
Official title: A Randomized, Phase 1 Study Evaluating the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Epi/Intra-dermally Administered Semaglutide (VX-201) Compared to Subcutaneous Administration in Healthy Overweight and Obese Participants: Single and Multiple Dose Assessment
Run by Terrestrial Bio, Inc. · NCT07673900 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This early study tests a needle-free skin patch delivering semaglutide against standard injections in adults who are overweight or obese to see if the patch works safely and as well as injections.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Terrestrial Bio, Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Tempe, Arizona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 10, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 18, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07673900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18-60 with BMI 25-<35 kg/m2 for single-dose cohorts or 27-<40 kg/m2 for multiple-dose cohorts, who are medically healthy and able to comply with study procedures.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with significant medical conditions or safety concerns, or those outside the BMI ranges or age window, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
VX-201 is a first-in-human Phase 1 study comparing a microneedle patch that delivers semaglutide through the skin with conventional subcutaneous injections. The trial uses a single ascending dose and multiple-dose format to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and early signals of effect in healthy overweight or obese adults. Participants are medically healthy between ages 18 and 60 with BMI thresholds aligned to study phase, and will be confined as required during testing. Lead sponsor is Terrestrial Bio, Inc., with Celerion as a collaborator, at the Tempe, Arizona site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants who receive the patch may experience a convenient, needle-free option for semaglutide delivery that could maintain similar blood levels and effects as injections.
How similar studies have gone: Early-phase work in similar delivery approaches has shown potential for needle-free systems to achieve systemic exposure, though this specific microneedle patch for semaglutide is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * To be eligible for study participation, all subjects must meet all the following inclusion criteria: 1. Medically healthy with no clinically significant medical history, vital sign, or coagulation results at Screening; chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis at Screening and Day -1 (SAD)/Day 0 (MD) as deemed by the Investigator 2. Age 18 to 60 years, inclusive, at the time of Screening 3. Body mass index ≥25 to \<35 kg/m2 if participating in the SAD phase or ≥27 to \<40 kg/m2 if participating in the MD phase, at the time of Screening 4. Must be able to communicate well with the Investigator, understand and comply with the requirements of the study (including required confinement periods), and understand and provide written consent Exclusion Criteria: All subjects meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded from this study: 1. Any disorder which in the investigator's opinion might jeopardize the subject's safety, evaluation of results, or compliance with the protocol 2. Any of the following obesity or glycemia-related history: 1. Treatment with a GLP-1 receptor agonist within 90 days before screening 2. Treatment with any medication for the indication of obesity within the past 90 days before screening 3. A self-reported change in body weight \> 5 kg (11 lb) within 90 days before screening irrespective of medical records. 4. Previous or planned (during the trial period) obesity treatment with surgery or a weight loss device 5. HbA1c ≥ 6.5% as measured at screening 6. History of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus 3. Have a history of heart block, or a pulse rate (PR) interval \>200 milliseconds (msec), or any abnormality in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) at screening that, in the opinion of the investigator, increases the risks associated with participating in the study 4. Have a significant history of or current cardiovascular (myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accident, venous thromboembolism, etc.), respiratory, hepatic, renal, gastrointestinal (GI), endocrine, hematological (including history of thrombocytopenia), or neurological disorders capable of significantly altering the absorption, metabolism, or elimination of drugs, or of constituting a risk when taking the study medication, or interfering with the interpretation of data 5. Estimated glomerular filtration rate \<80 mL/min as determined by the Mosteller body surface area correction equation at Screening 6. Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 7. Presence of acute pancreatitis within the past 90 days prior to the day of screening or history or presence of chronic pancreatitis 8. Active malignancy or history of malignancy of any organ system (other than localized squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma of the skin that have been excised or resolved), treated or untreated, within the past 5 years 9. Female who is pregnant, breast-feeding or intends to become pregnant or is of childbearing potential and not using a highly effective contraceptive method 10. Any prescription medications (except for hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation as described Exclusion 9) within 14 days of Screening 11. Previously participated in another dose level group in the study 12. Known hypersensitivity to semaglutide 13. Known or suspected alcohol or drugs/chemical substance abuse within one year prior to the day of screening, or positive drug or alcohol screen results at Screening or Day-1 14. Positive result for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or presence of actively replicating viral hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection at Screening 15. Excessive tattoos, skin blemishes, or excessive hair near patch administration site 16. Participation in any clinical study with an investigational or approved drug/device within 30 days or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) before Screening or is planning to participate in another clinical study while enrolled in this study 17. Donated or lost \>200 mL of blood within 60 days before Day -1, donated plasma within 7 days before Day -1, or plans to donate blood or plasma during the study 18. Is directly affiliated with the study at the study site or is an immediate family member (spouse, parent, child, or sibling; biological or legally adopted) of personnel directly affiliated with the study at the study site, or is employed by Terrestrial Bio (that is an employee, temporary contract worker, or designee responsible for the conduct of the study) or is an immediate family member of an employee of Terrestrial Bio
Where it's running
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Celerion Clinical Research
Tempe, Arizona, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bridgette Blazek, MD — Celerion
- Study coordinator: Lynda G Tussey, PhD
- Email: lynda@terrestrialbio.com
- Phone: 1-339-330-0088
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.