Can a diabetes drug fix liver energy problems in fatty liver disease?
NCT ID NCT05305287
First seen Jan 11, 2026 · Last updated Jun 19, 2026 · Updated 20 times
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.
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Texas Diabetes Institute - University Health System
RECRUITINGSan Antonio, Texas, 78207, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
RECRUITINGSan Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.