Testing a medication to reduce heart problems in people with type 2 diabetes

A Study of Cardiovascular Events iN Diabetes Plus

Phase 4 Interventional University of Oxford · NCT05441267

This study is testing if a new medication can help prevent heart problems in people with type 2 diabetes who haven't had a heart attack or stroke yet.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20000 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Oxford Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oxford)
Trial IDNCT05441267 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

ASCEND PLUS is evaluating the effects of oral semaglutide on major cardiovascular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes who have not experienced a heart attack or stroke. The study utilizes a novel approach by identifying participants through NHS healthcare datasets and conducting all interactions via web-based technology, telephone, and mail. Participants will undergo an active run-in phase before being randomized to receive either semaglutide or a placebo. The study aims to collect long-term health outcome data through linkage to NHS records over a 20-year follow-up period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 55 and older with type 2 diabetes who have not had a heart attack or stroke.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of heart attack, stroke, or severe heart failure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with GLP-1 receptor agonists in cardiovascular risk reduction, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged at least 55 years at the time of the Screening assessment
* Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (based on self-reported medical history)

Exclusion criteria:

* Myocardial Infarction
* Stroke
* Current or planned treatment with a GLP-1 RA
* Previous hypersensitivity to or intolerance of GLP-1 RA therapy
* Severe hypoglycaemia within the last six months or during run-in
* Symptomatic hypoglycaemia within the last month
* Currently under consideration to commence insulin
* Severe heart failure (NYHA class 4)
* Current or planned renal replacement therapy
* Unwilling to complete regular follow-up assessments
* Ongoing treatment for cancer or diagnosis with cancer (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in the last 2 years
* Type 1 or other type of diabetes (e.g. MODY)
* History of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or medullary thyroid carcinoma
* Currently breastfeeding or pregnant, or planning a pregnancy
* Any serious illness which is likely to limit survival or active participation for at least 5 years
* Current participation in a clinical trial with an unlicensed investigational medicinal product used to treat diabetes
* For participants taking thyroxine, lack of agreement to arrange a thyroid function test in the next 3 months and agree to regular testing throughout the trial
* Non-adherence to run-in treatment (i.e. reports taking the run-in tablets 'Never' or 'Only occasionally')
* Their doctor does not wish them to be randomised

Where this trial is running

Oxford

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 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.