Could an osteoporosis drug shield the pancreas in type 1 diabetes?

NCT ID NCT06524960

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: City of Hope Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether denosumab, a drug already used for bone conditions, can protect the beta cells that produce insulin in people with early type 1 diabetes. Researchers believe the same biological pathway that denosumab targets in bones may also help preserve beta cell function. The study will compare denosumab against a placebo in 45 adults to see if it safely improves blood sugar control and insulin production.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: denosumab, a drug approved for osteoporosis, repurposed to protect beta cells in type 1 diabetes
What this could lead to: If it works, denosumab could slow the progression of type 1 diabetes by preserving the body's ability to make insulin.
What could go wrong: This is an early-phase trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Denosumab also carries risks like low calcium and bone infections.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

type 1 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

TYPE 1 DIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

City of Hope Medical Center
RECRUITING

Duarte, California, 91010, United States
Indiana University
RECRUITING

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States

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