Using empagliflozin to reduce arterial stiffness in older adults
Official title: SGLT2 Inhibition as a Therapeutic Strategy to Reverse Arterial Stiffening in Aging
Run by University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT06506422 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a medication called empagliflozin can help older adults aged 60 to 80 reduce stiffness in their arteries over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase2; Phase3 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Missouri-Columbia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbia, Missouri) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 6, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06506422 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy older adults aged 60 to 80 years who exhibit signs of arterial stiffness but do not have diabetes or significant cardiovascular disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with diabetes, significant cardiovascular conditions, or those with uncontrolled hypertension 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
This clinical trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 80 participants aged 60 to 80 years. The study aims to investigate the effects of empagliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, on arterial stiffness over a 12-week period. Participants will receive either empagliflozin or a matching placebo, with the hypothesis that empagliflozin will significantly reduce aging-related arterial stiffening compared to the placebo group. The trial will measure arterial stiffness using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) as a primary outcome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new therapeutic approach to mitigate arterial stiffness in older adults, potentially improving cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce cardiovascular events and arterial stiffness in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to provide consent * 60 to 80 years of age at randomization (women must be postmenopausal defined as more than 1 year without menses) * Stable anti-hypertensive medication regimen (if in use) for at least 90 days * Evidence of arterial stiffening (defined as carotid-femoral PWV \>/= 8 m/s) at the time of screening visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Diabetes * BMI\>/= 45kg/m2 * Known history of cardiovascular disease: heart failure, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery disease or stroke * Estimated glomerular filtration rate GFR \< 29 mL/min * Active cancer (excluding basal cell carcinoma or stage 1 squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) * Excessive alcohol consumption (\>14 drinks/week for men, \>7 drinks/week for women) * Use of hormone replacement therapy * Body weight change ≥10% within the last 6 months * Uncontrolled hypertension during screening visit (\>180/110 mmHg) * Symptomatic hypotension and/or a SBP \<100 mmHg * History of ketoacidosis * High fall risk per assessment of study physician and/or safety officer at the time of screening (results must be abnormal for both fall risk assessments and orthostatic blood pressure measurements) * Anticipated need of prolonged fasting * History of recurrent UTIs or mycotic genital infections * Following a low-carbohydrate diet (\<20 grams/day) * Participation in regular exercise \> 3 days/week per week at a moderate or vigorous intensity * Known sensitivity to nitrate medications
Where it's running
-
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Camila Manrique, MD
- Email: manriquec@health.missouri.edu
- Phone: (573) 882-2554
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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.