Can a diabetes drug fix liver energy problems in fatty liver disease?

NCT ID NCT05305287

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether the diabetes drug pioglitazone can improve how the liver processes energy in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes. Researchers will measure liver mitochondrial function using special tracers before and after 16 weeks of treatment. The study involves 60 adults aged 18-80 with stable blood sugar and moderate to severe liver fat.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Pioglitazone (Actos), an insulin-sensitizing drug
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that pioglitazone improves liver energy metabolism, pointing toward better treatments for fatty liver disease.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study (60 people) focused on measuring biological changes, not clinical outcomes. Results may not translate to broader benefits, and pioglitazone has known risks like weight gain and fluid retention.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

inborn mitochondrial metabolism disorder metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease Motor Activity type 2 diabetes mellitus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MITOCHONDRIAL METABOLISM DISORDERS NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE TYPE 2 DIABETES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Texas Diabetes Institute - University Health System
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78207, United States
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
RECRUITING

San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

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