7-Ketolithocholic Acid in Prediabetes

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

7-KLCA: This is a prospective, randomized, double blind, multicenter study. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio; each subject will be included into one of the two intervention groups. Each subject will attend 6 visits in total Visit 1: Day -7 (Screening, Informed consent signature, sampling for laboratory tests) Visit 2: Day 0 (Eligibility assessment, enrolment, randomization, drug dispense; diary dispense) Visit 3: Week +4 (Telephone call, diary verification) Visit 4: Week +8 (same as Visit 3) Visit 5: Week +12 (sampling for laboratory tests like Visit 1. Diary verification. End of treatment) Visit 6: Week +16 (End of Study, EOS. Same as visit 5, excluding OGTT) The onset of Adverse Events and the use of Concomitant Medications will be verified and, if necessary, recorded at every visit. Both groups will undergo a low-glycaemic, hypocaloric diet, and recommended physical activity.

Placebo: This is a prospective, randomized, double blind, multicenter study. Subjects will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio; each subject will be included into one of the two intervention groups. Each subject will attend 6 visits in total Visit 1: Day -7 (Screening, Informed consent signature, sampling for laboratory tests) Visit 2: Day 0 (Eligibility assessment, enrolment, randomization, drug dispense; diary dispense) Visit 3: Week +4 (Telephone call, diary verification) Visit 4: Week +8 (same as Visit 3) Visit 5: Week +12 (sampling for laboratory tests like Visit 1. Diary verification. End of treatment) Visit 6: Week +16 (End of Study, EOS. Same as visit 5, excluding OGTT) The onset of Adverse Events and the use of Concomitant Medications will be verified and, if necessary, recorded at every visit. Both groups will undergo a low-glycaemic, hypocaloric diet, and recommended physical activity.

Diet and Physical Activity: The dietary intervention in this study involves a low-glycaemic, hypocaloric diet, aimed at improving glycaemic control, reducing fasting plasma glucose, and supporting weight management, based on official recommendations from authoritative bodies such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD). Physical activity is a cornerstone of lifestyle intervention in prediabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism, and cardiovascular risk factors, and facilitates weight management \[2,24\]. Combining physical activity with dietary modifications enhances prevention of progression to type 2 diabetes. All of the following will be recommended: aerobic exercise, resistance training, reducing sedentary time, flexibility and balance exercises.

Study summary

7-Ketolithocholic Acid, a naturally occurring bile acid, is a novel food currently under investigation for potential metabolic benefits, including glucose-lowering effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 7-Ketolithocholic Acid, administered alongside a low-glycaemic, hypocaloric diet, and increased physical activity in reducing fasting plasma glucose and other metabolic parameters in subjects with prediabetes. Demonstrating a clinically meaningful glucose-lowering effect would support its potential role in early intervention to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Mean change in Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) — Baseline and Week 12
  Difference in the mean change in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) from baseline to Week 12 between the treatment and placebo groups.

Trial sites (8)