Using GLP-1 analogue to prevent progression of small vessel disease

GLP-1 Analogue in Preventing Progression of Small Vessel Disease (GAPP-SVD) - A Pilot Study

Phase 2 Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT05356104

This study is testing if a new medication can help people with moderate-to-severe small vessel disease in the brain slow down its progression compared to standard treatment alone.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment110 (estimated)
Ages55 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05356104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of a GLP-1 receptor agonist, exenatide, in patients with moderate-to-severe cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). The study involves 110 participants who will be randomized into two groups: one receiving the GLP-1R agonist along with standard medical therapy, and the other receiving standard therapy alone. Over a period of 78 weeks, various clinical, imaging, and sonographic parameters will be assessed to evaluate the treatment's impact on cSVD progression. The trial aims to provide insights into a potential new therapeutic approach for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese individuals aged 55 to 80 with moderate-to-severe cSVD as indicated by specific MRI criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with dementia or other specific contraindications to GLP-1R agonists will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could help slow or prevent the progression of cerebral small vessel disease and its associated cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: While GLP-1R agonists have shown promise in cellular and animal studies, their application in cSVD patients is novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Chinese ethnicity;
2. Age 55 to 80 years old;
3. Age-Related White Matter Change (ARWMC) Scale of 2 or early 3 in FLAIR MRI;
4. Modified Functional Ambulation Classification 5 or above;
5. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \< 25;
6. Both diabetic and non-diabetic patient are eligible;
7. Patient who understands the purpose and requirements of the study, and able to provide an informed consent;

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Dementia or MoCA score lower than 2nd percentile of the age and education adjusted cutoff ;
2. Cerebral white matter changes unrelated to neurodegenerative, e.g. CADASIL, X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, metabolic diseases, multiple sclerosis, etc.;
3. Contraindication to GLP-1R agonist, including thyroid carcinoma, pancreatic pathology, proliferative retinopathy, hypersensitivity to GLP-1R agonist and history of family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia;
4. BMI \<18.5kg/m2;
5. Contraindication to proposed imaging, e.g. chronic kidney disease (KDNIGO) stage 4 or above, acute kidney injury, hypersensitivity to gadolinium-based contrast, non-MRI conditional implants or prosthesis;
6. Medical condition that would not allow the patient to adhere to the protocol or complete the study.;
7. Patient with established neurodegenerative disorders (e.g. Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, etc.);
8. Pregnancy.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Cerebral Small Vessel DiseasecSVD
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.