Can calming nerves improve insulin sensitivity in obesity?
NCT ID NCT04329806
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study looked at whether blocking certain nerve signals can improve how the body uses insulin and reduce inflammation in people with obesity and high blood pressure. Ten participants took two drugs—moxonidine and amlodipine—to lower nerve activity. The goal was to see if this approach could help with insulin resistance and blood vessel function. However, the study was terminated early, so findings are limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Moxonidine and Amlodipine
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could clarify whether calming overactive nerves improves insulin resistance and blood vessel health in obesity.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase study that was terminated early, so results may be limited. The drugs may not show clear benefits or could cause side effects like dizziness or swelling.
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
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
-
10 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Feb 2021
- Finished
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Jul 2022
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females of all races between 18 and 60 years of age * Hypertension defined by two or more properly measured seated blood pressure readings \>130/85 mmHg or currently on antihypertensive medication. * Obesity will be defined as having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. * Able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy or breast feeding * Current smokers or history of heavy smoking (\>2 packs/day) * History of alcohol or drug abuse * Previous allergic reaction to study medications * Evidence of type I diabetes * Cardiovascular disease other than hypertension * History of serious cerebrovascular disease * History or presence of immunological or hematological disorders * Impaired renal function * Treatment with any investigational drug in the 1 month preceding the study * Inability to give, or withdraw, informed consent * Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the subject from completing the protocol
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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