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NCT03049462 · National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)

The Physiological Responses and Adaptation of Brown Adipose Tissue to Chronic Treatment With Beta3-Adrenergic Receptor Agonists

What this study is about

Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a type of fat in the body. It may prevent weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce fatty liver. Researchers want to see if BAT helps the body burn energy. Objective: To learn more about how BAT works to burn energy.

View original scientific description

Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a type of fat in the body. It may prevent weight gain, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce fatty liver. Researchers want to see if BAT helps the body burn energy. Objective: To learn more about how BAT works to burn energy. Eligibility: People ages 18-40 with a body mass index between 18 and 40 Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Blood, urine, and heart tests Dietitian interview Participants will have an overnight baseline visit. This includes: Repeats of screening tests Exercise test Scans. For one scan, a radioactive substance is injected into the arm. FSIVGIT: An IV is inserted into veins in the right and left arms. Glucose and insulin are injected in one arm. Blood glucose and insulin levels are measured from the other. Metabolic suite: Participants stay 18-19 hours in a room that measures their metabolic rate. Monitors on the body measure heart rate, movement, and temperature. Optional fat biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed with a needle. Participants will take 2-4 pills daily for 4 weeks. All women will take the drug mirabegron. Men will be randomly get either the drug or a placebo. All participants will have a visit after 2 weeks of the pills. They will repeat the screening tests. Participants will have an overnight visit 2 weeks later. They will repeat the baseline tests. Participants will keep food and medication diaries. Participants will have a follow-up visit 2 weeks after stopping the pills. This includes heart tests.

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

  • In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: Cohort 1: (complete)
  • Age 18-40 years
  • BMI 18.00-40.0 kg/m\^2
  • Able to understand the research and willing to sign a written informed consent document Cohort 2: (complete)
  • Age 18-40 years
  • BMI 18.00-40.0 kg/m\^2
  • Able to understand the research and willing to sign a written informed consent document Cohort 3:
  • Age 18-40 years
  • BMI 25.0-50.0 kg/m\^2 or BMI \> 18.5 kg/m\^2 with PCOS diagnosis
  • Diagnosis of PCOS based on NIH Criteria; defined by the presence of both clinical and/or biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism and oligo- or chronic anovulation.
  • Women of childbearing potential must agree to use a highly effective method of birth control, confirmed by the Investigator, for at least 3 months prior to the first study visit and continuing throughout the study duration. a. Highly effective methods of birth control include: i. Combined (estrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, intravaginal, or transdermal ii. Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, injectable, or implantable iii. Intrauterine device iv. Intrauterine hormone-releasing system v. Bilateral tubal occlusion vi. Sexual abstinence, i.e., refraining from heterosexual intercourse (the reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the clinical study and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant) vii. Vasectomized sexual partner (provided that partner is the sole sexual partner of the study participant and that the vasectomized partner has received medical assessment of the surgical success) b. Women not of childbearing potential are defined as women who are either permanently sterilized (hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral salpingectomy) or who are postmenopausal. Women will be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for \>=12 months prior to the planned date of enrollment without an alternative medical cause.
  • Insulin resistance defined by either
  • HOMA-IR score \> 5.9 OR
  • HOMA-IR score \> 2.8 and \<5.9, with HDL \<51 mg/dL OR
  • Fasting Insulin \> 10.6 microU/mL
  • Able to understand the research and willing to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion criteria

  • Hypersensitivity and associated allergic reactions to mirabegron (or similar drug substances or components)
  • Abnormal bladder function, diagnosis of bladder outlet obstruction, urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency or use of antimuscarinic medication to treat overactive bladder (OAB)
  • Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, fasting serum glucose \>125 mg/dL, and/or an HbA1c test \>6.5%
  • Hypertension, defined as blood pressure (Bullet)140/90 mmHg, based on WHO guidelines (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension)
  • Hypo- or hyper-thyroid disease (TSH \>5.0, \<0.4 miU/L) that is controlled for less than one year
  • Anemia, defined by hemoglobin \< 11.3 g/dL (females) or \< 13.8 g/dL (males); sickle cell anemia or other blood disorders; and/or wound healing problems
  • Cardiovascular disease, cardiac arrhythmias, orthostasis, unstable vasomotor system, or renal impairment
  • A clinically significant abnormal ECG and/or QTc interval above normal
  • Elevated liver enzymes with probable or diagnosed liver disease (other than fatty liver disease)
  • Psychological conditions such as claustrophobia, untreated clinical depression or anxiety, untreated bipolar disorders, or forms of mental incapacity that would be incompatible with safe and successful participation in this study
  • Recent history in last 4 weeks of any local or systemic infectious disease with fever or requiring antibiotics
  • Self-reported intolerance of cold that would prevent the individual from spending several hours in a chilled room with a cooling vest
  • Current use of any drugs known to:
  • have major drug-drug interactions with mirabegron
  • Prolong QT interval
  • Alter glucose metabolism or cause insulin resistance (in last six months)
  • Treat diabetes mellitus
  • Treat hypertension
  • Be drugs of abuse
  • Self-reported weight loss or weight gain \> 5% in the preceding 6 months.
  • Pregnancy, childbirth within the last year, or breastfeeding in the past 12 months
  • Individuals who spend \>70% of daily hours outdoors since the exposure to varied environmental temperatures will potentially impact the ability to influence and measure BAT activity.
  • Addiction to alcohol or substances of abuse within the last 5 years
  • Self-reported current alcohol consumption of more than 2 servings of alcohol per day
  • Self-reported current use of nicotine and/or tobacco products
  • Has participated in a clinical trial with an investigational or marketed drug within 2 months
  • Have had previous radiation exposure (X-rays, PET scans, etc.) within the last year or anticipate radiation exposure in the upcoming year - clinical and/or research - that would exceed research limits
  • Donated blood within last 2 months
  • Unwilling or unable to eat metabolic meals, as determined by dietitian consult.
  • Any other circumstances or criteria that would preclude safe participation in the study in the clinical judgment of the investigator

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 Jul 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 100 participants interested
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Maryland

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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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Looking for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment in Bethesda?

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Treatment Options in Bethesda, Maryland

If you're searching for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Maryland
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Up to 100 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?

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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome 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: NCT03049462. 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.