Could a popular Weight-Loss drug help—or Harm—Those with duchenne muscular dystrophy?
NCT ID NCT07642635
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether semaglutide (a GLP-1 drug used for weight loss) is safe for adolescents and young adults with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) who are also overweight or obese. The main concern is that the drug might reduce muscle mass, which is already weak in DMD. Participants will take either semaglutide or a placebo for 24 weeks, then all will receive semaglutide for another 40 weeks. The study monitors muscle mass, fat, heart and lung function, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- semaglutide (Rybelsus)
- What this could lead to
- If safe, this could offer a weight-loss option for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who struggle with obesity, potentially improving heart and metabolic health.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The main concern is that semaglutide might reduce muscle mass, which is already compromised in DMD. Results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 1/2
Runs two stages together: safety and dose first, then whether the treatment works.
- Participants
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About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Male * Age ≥18years * BMI ≥ 30kg/m2 or BMI ≥ 27kg/m2 with at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, T2D, or dyslipidemia). * Clinical phenotype of DMD confirmed with muscle biopsy or genotype Exclusion Criteria: * Type 1 diabetes, uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (HbA1c \>8%) or type 2 diabetes requiring the use of insulin or sulfonylurea. * History of pancreatitis * Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 * History of allergic reaction to semaglutide or medication components * Contraindication to MRI. If unable to tolerate whole body/cardiac MRI but able to undergo lower extremity MRI, the participant may be invited to complete extremity MRI (Aim 1) and not complete MRI for Aim 2/3 (secondary Aims/outcomes) * Uncontrolled major depressive disorder, lifetime history of suicide attempt, history of other severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), PHQ-9 score ≥15 or suicidal ideation type 4 or 5 (C-SSRS) * Unable to comply with study procedures or unsafe to complete the study in the opinion of the investigator
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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