Using spinal cord stimulation to activate brown fat for weight loss and diabetes management
Official title: Brown Adipose Tissue Activation by Spinal Cord Stimulation
Run by Oregon Health and Science University · NCT04326192 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if spinal cord stimulation can help people with obesity and Type 2 diabetes by activating fat that burns calories to promote weight loss and better diabetes control.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 19, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04326192 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-70 with persistent neuropathic leg and back pain who are planning to undergo spinal cord stimulation for pain relief.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not considering spinal cord stimulation for pain or have a BMI outside the range of 25-45 will 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 study investigates the potential of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) to activate brown adipose tissue (BAT) metabolism, which may lead to weight loss and improved management of Type 2 diabetes. Participants who are already planning to undergo SCS for pain will be monitored using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) to assess BAT activation. The research aims to explore a novel therapeutic approach that could provide significant benefits for individuals struggling with obesity and diabetes. This proof-of-concept study is being conducted at Oregon Health and Science University.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for weight loss and better control of Type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of using spinal cord stimulation for metabolic activation is novel, previous studies have shown promise in related areas of research.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age: 21-70 years 2. Persistent neuropathic leg and back pain 3. Subjects who are already planning to undergo SCS for pain 4. Subjects who have not received a prior SCS trial for pain 5. Subjects with a BMI of 25-45, using formula; weight (lb) / \[height (in)\]2 x 703 Exclusion Criteria: 1. Not considering SCS for pain 2. Forensic patient 3. Taking beta blockers 4. Weight change \> 5% within last 3 months 5. Habitual tobacco use 6. Habitual excessive alcohol use 7. Pregnancy 8. Decisionally impaired adults 9. Children 10. Neonates 11. Subjects with a BMI of \<25 or \>45
Where it's running
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Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kim Burchiel, MD — Oregon Health and Science University
- Study coordinator: Kim Burchiel, MD
- Email: burchiek@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-494-4314
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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.