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Research Studies

Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes Research Studies

Find research studies available to children cared for by the Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes team.

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Clinical trial phase

Moderna mRNA Clinical Trial for Patients with GSD 1a

Our team has partnered with Moderna on a clinical trial for patients with glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a). We would like to invite you to take part in a clinical trial for an mRNA investigational drug that could potentially correct the cause of GSD1a, by teaching your body to break down glycogen, correct low glucose, and avoid starch intake. The purpose of this trial is to see if a new investigational mRNA study drug, called mRNA-3745, is safe and if it works in the way researchers expect. mRNA technology uses messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), an instructional molecule that naturally occurs in the body and carries information to cells. In this case, we are studying if mRNA-3745 given through an IV infusion can instruct the body to make the protein that is missing in people with GSD1a.

mRNA-3725 is not approved by the FDA; the FDA has allowed us to provide this investigational medicine to patients enrolled in this phase 1/2 trial. Phase 1/2 clinical trials like this one aim to test the safety, side effects, and best dose of an investigational medication. In the phase 2 part, participants usually receive the highest dose of treatment discovered in the phase 1 part. This is the first study in which humans are administered this study drug.

If successful, mRNA-3745 would enable certain organs in the body to effectively break down glycogen and avoid low glucose levels and starch intake. If mRNA-3745 could correct the cause of GSD1a, it would help keep your glucose levels where they need to be all the time.

Participation in this clinical trial could last up to approximately two years, depending on which stage you enroll in and whether or not you decide to participate in the long-term follow-up period of the study. Some of the visits in this trial will require you to stay overnight at the hospital, and some of the visits will require you to visit the hospital or doctors office. Most of the visits in this clinical trial can be done at your home, where a home health nurse will perform the assessments needed.

All study-related procedures, travel, and compensation are provided.

Phase: Phase I, Phase II

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

MRI Assessment of NAD+

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is an important substance found in the body that plays a role in energy metabolism and overall health. The purpose of this research study is to test the performance of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique (spectroscopy) to measure NAD+ metabolism in brain and skeletal muscle. MRI provides pictures of the inside of the body and information about chemicals the body makes.We are seeking to enroll males and females with Friedrichs Ataxia (FA) as well as healthy matched volunteers, 18 years of age and above. Pregnant females excluded for safety purposes.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Healthy Controls, MRI/Imaging Studies

MRI Muscle Metabolism in Different Age Groups

The purpose of the study is to determine changes in lactate and creatine in calf muscle of healthy adult volunteers. Males and females of different ages (18 - 30 years, 45-55 years, and 70-80 years) will be asked to attend a single in-person study visit. Prior to the completing the MRI scan, the study team will review the health status of individuals.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Healthy Controls, MRI/Imaging Studies, One-Time Visit Studies

Phentermine/Topiramate in Hypothalamic Obesity

The purpose of this study is to evaluate how safe and effective the drug Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate of Ph/T) is for children, adolescents, and young adults with hypothalamic obesity. We will also evaluate if Ph/T helps with weight loss and changes in hunger in patients with hypothalamic obesity.

If you are determined to be eligible, then your participation will last for approximately 8 months. Participants will be asked to complete up to 5 in-person visits and 5 telephone safety check-ins. During the study you will be randomly assigned to study drug (phentermine/topiramate) or placebo for 28 weeks.

You will complete study procedures including blood tests, ECGs, mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry, body composition scan, and questionnaires. Compensation and reimbursement of limited travel expenses is available.

Phase: Phase II

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

Conditions: Hypothalamic Obesity

Research Study for Individuals with Hyperinsulinism, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, and Healthy Children

Our team is working on a study to better understand neurological problems, including seizures and developmental delays, that occur in children with hyperinsulinism, including HI/HA syndrome, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. The study involves a one-day visit to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania for a specialized magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI) of the brain, an electroencephalogram (EEG), blood draw, and completion of questionnaires to evaluate development and behavior. The entire study visit is expected to take about five hours. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at HIResearch@email.chop.edu.

Phase: N/A

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children, Healthy Controls, MRI/Imaging Studies, One-Time Visit Studies

Conditions: Congenital Hyperinsulinism

RM-493-035: Setmelanotide in Patients with Gene Defects in the MC4R Pathway

The purpose of this study is to find out if an investigational drug called setmelanotide (RM-493) can help control body weight in people with certain genetic modifications in their genes that play a key role in the regulation of body weight. Males and females, age 6 to 65, with obesity and certain genetic variants (MC4R pathway) may be eligible to participate. If you are confirmed eligible for the study, then participation will last up to 64 Weeks. Participants will complete Screening (Up to 8 Weeks), Double-Blind Treatment (Up to 52 Weeks), and Follow-Up Period (4 Weeks). Participants will complete research procedures including physical exams, blood draws, ECGs, and questionnaires. Participant will also need to self-inject the study drug once daily for the duration of their participation.

Phase: Phase III

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

Utilizing the Bionic Pancreas in Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes

Insulin therapy, commonly given as multiple daily injection therapy, is the only recommended treatment for Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD). Traditional therapy for CFRD requires an intense daily effort related to diabetes care on top of the already burdensome management of Cystic Fibrosis. In this study, we will assess the safety and effectiveness of the iLet Bionic Pancreas, an automated insulin delivery system, which uses a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an insulin pump, and a control formula that activates insulin delivery based on CGM glucose data.

Phase: Phase III, Phase IV

Actively recruiting: Yes

Category: Adults, Children

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