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NCT07046819 · National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Tirzepatide in MetALD

What this study is about

Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often develop metabolic alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD). MetALD is a term for the heart, liver, obesity, and other issues that can accompany AUD. MetALD can be fatal. An approved weight management drug (Tirzepatide) may be able to help people with AUD and MetALD control their alcohol intake.

View original scientific description

Background: People with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often develop metabolic alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD). MetALD is a term for the heart, liver, obesity, and other issues that can accompany AUD. MetALD can be fatal. An approved weight management drug (Tirzepatide) may be able to help people with AUD and MetALD control their alcohol intake. Objective: To test Tirzepatide in people with AUD and MetALD. Eligibility: People aged 21 years and older with AUD and MetALD. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood and urine tests. They will have a test of their heart function. They will have a Fibroscan: This test uses ultrasound to measure how stiff the liver is. They will answer questions about their alcohol drinking, eating habits, and mental health. Participants may opt to have imaging scans of their brain and liver. These tests will be repeated in a baseline visit. This visit will take up to 6 hours. Tirzepatide is injected under the skin once a week for 12 weeks. Participants will visit the clinic to receive each injection. Some participants will get a placebo. A placebo is given just like a Tirzepatide injection but contains no medicine. The physical exam and other tests will be repeated during clinic visits. The Fibroscan will be repeated every 2 weeks during the study. Each weekly visit will take up to 3 hours. All tests will be repeated on the last visit. These tests will include the imaging scans and Fibroscan. Participants will learn about treatment options for AUD; they will be given recommendations on ways to reduce alcohol intake. This visit will take up to 6 hours.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Age 21 or older
  • Ability to provide written informed consent
  • Females: Negative urine pregnancy test, not currently breastfeeding, agree to abstain or use accepted form of contraception including use of oral contraceptives and an additional barrier method of contraceptive such as condoms; use of an approved IUD or other longacting reversible contraceptive (LARC); have a male sexual partner who is surgically sterilized; or have exclusively female sexual partner(s)
  • Males: Agree to abstain or use accepted form of contraception, such as condoms.
  • Diagnosis of AUD as confirmed by MINI
  • Current alcohol use as assessed via the TLFB (\>14 standard drinks per week for males and \>7 standard drinks per week for females on average for the last 8 weeks)
  • Liver steatosis as determined by Fibroscan (CAP score \>240) at screening
  • BMI \>= 25 and \<40 kg/m\^2
  • metALD as defined by at least one out of 5 criteria at screening:
  • BMI \>= 25 and \<40 kg/m\^2
  • Fasting serum glucose \>= 5.6mmol/L \[100mg/dL\] or HbA1c \>=5.7%
  • Blood pressure \>=130/85 or specific antihypertensive drug treatment
  • Plasma triglycerides \>=1.70mmol/L \[150mg/dL\] or lipid lowering treatment
  • Plasma HDL-cholesterol less than 1.0mmol/L \[40mg/dL\] or lipid lowering treatment

Exclusion criteria

  • An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
  • Treatment seeking for alcohol use disorder
  • History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to GLP-1RA/GIPRA
  • Current/past use of GLP-1RA/GIPRA within the last 3 months
  • Clinically significant and/or unstable cardiovascular disease over the past 12 months
  • History of diabetes mellitus or blood hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) \>= 6.5 % at screening
  • Any underlying clinically significant and/or unstable acute or chronic liver disease unrelated to alcohol use at screening, history of cirrhosis, esophageal varices
  • Subjects with platelets count of less than 110,000/ mm\^3
  • Alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase exceeding 5 times the upper limit of normal levels at screening
  • Bilirubin 2x UNL or Creatinine \> 2 mg/dL at screening
  • Patients with coagulopathy defined as INR \>1.5, prothrombin time prolonged by \> 3s, and/or platelets \<75,000 / mm\^3 at screening
  • Positive HIV test or positive Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and/or positive Hepatitis C antibody (HCV) at screening
  • Chronic renal failure as estimated by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 60mL/min/1.73 m\^2 at screening
  • History of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • History of previous bariatric surgery or transplant surgery
  • Patients with significant hematologic abnormalities, as defined by hemoglobin \< 8g/dL and/or white blood count \<1500 cells/microL
  • Current or prior history of any clinically significant disease, including, seizure disorder, epilepsy, alcohol related seizures within 12 months of screening, uncontrolled endocrine disease, hemorrhagic stroke, cancer within the past 5 years or any other significant abnormality identified at the time of screening that, in the judgment of the investigator or study clinician, would preclude safe completion of the study
  • Use of any medications that interfere with tirzepatide
  • Use of the following medications with glucose lowering properties in the last 30 days: GLP-1RA, GLP-1RA/GIPRA, insulin, metformin, sulfonylurea, thiazolidinediones, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors
  • Use of the following medications: Any medication that requires intramuscular administration injections. Systemic corticosteroids
  • Use of any investigational drugs within 1 month, or five half-lives, whichever is longer, of the study procedures
  • Presence of any current suicidality or a lifetime history of suicide attempt or suicidal ideation within the past year
  • History of serious mental illnesses including psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, severe anxiety, mood, or trauma-related disorders and other psychiatric conditions which in the opinion of the investigators would impede the patient's participation or compliance in the study
  • History of liver decompensation events such as hepatic encephalopathy or ascites
  • History of severe gastroparesis
  • History of pancreatitis in the last 5 years or if subject has chronic pancreatitis For optional MRI: a) Presence of ferromagnetic objects in the body that may be adversely affected by or contraindicated for MRI, fear of enclosed spaces, or other standard contraindication to MRI, as determined by self-report b) Use of MRI- incompatible intrauterine device (IUD). Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or with severe hepatic or renal liver impairment will be excluded from this study because there is no clinical data on the safety of tirzepatide in these populations, including the impact on the fetus or infant. To assess pregnancy status, participants who can become pregnant will be required to take a urine pregnancy test and to test negative before administering study drug.

Where

  • Bethesda, Maryland

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 120 participants interested
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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Treatment Options in Bethesda, Maryland

If you're searching for Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease treatment in Bethesda, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Bethesda and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
Now Enrolling
Up to 120 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT07046819. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.