New RNA injection targets obesity and diabetes in early trial
NCT ID NCT06937203
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 4 times
Summary
This early-stage study tests an experimental drug called ARO-ALK7 in 138 adults with obesity, some of whom also have type 2 diabetes. The drug is given as an injection and aims to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. The main goal is to check safety and how the body processes the drug, with some participants also receiving a standard diabetes medication (tirzepatide) alongside ARO-ALK7.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ARO-ALK7 (an experimental RNA-based drug given as an injection)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes that helps with weight loss and blood sugar control.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial (Phase 1/2a) focused on safety and dosing, so it's too soon to know if it works. Side effects are possible, and results may not lead to a final treatment.
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 150 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
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 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- 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: * Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) between 30-50 kilograms (kg)/square meter (m\^2), inclusive, with weight at Screening not to exceed 159 kg (350 pounds \[lbs\]) * At least one self-reported, unsuccessful attempt at weight loss with lifestyle modification * No abnormal finding of clinical relevance at Screening that could adversely impact participant safety during the study or adversely impact study results * Female participants of childbearing potential must agree to use highly effective contraception and male participants with female partners of childbearing potential must agree to use a condom during the study and for at least 90 days following the end of the study or last dose of study drug, whichever is later. Participants must not donate sperm or eggs during the study for at least 90 days following the end of the study or last dose of study drug, whichever is later Exclusion Criteria: * Self-reported (or documented) weight gain or loss \>5% within 3 months prior to Screening * Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RAs) (liraglutide, semaglutide, etc.) for any indication within 6 months prior to Screening * Use of non-GLP-1R medications for weight loss within 3 months prior to Screening, including but not limited to naltrexone/bupropion, orlistat, phentermine/topiramate, and other prescription or over-the-counter medication or supplement taken for weight loss purposes * Obesity attributable primarily in the Investigator's opinion to medication use, monogenic or endocrinologic disorders (other than polycystic ovary syndrome) * History of prior surgical or device-based therapy for obesity (including endoscopic bariatric procedures) * Use of medications or therapies strongly associated with weight gain, alterations in body composition, or increase in muscle mass, within 3 months prior to Screening * Type 1 diabetes mellitus Note: Additional inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply per 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.
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
8 sites in 2 countries. 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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Research Site 1
RECRUITINGAuckland, 1010, New Zealand
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Research Site 2
RECRUITINGChristchurch, 8011, New Zealand
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Research Site 3
RECRUITINGTakapuna, Auckland, 0622, New Zealand
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Research Site 4
RECRUITINGRotorua, 3010, New Zealand
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Research Site 5
RECRUITINGGrafton, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
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Research Site 6
RECRUITINGPapatoetoe, Auckland, 2025, New Zealand
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Research Site 7
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGNedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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Research Site 8
RECRUITINGMorayfield, QLC, 4506, Australia
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