Separate and combined effects of long-term GIP and GLP-1 receptor activation in patients with type 2 diabetes: a structured summary of a study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION: Due to reports of severely reduced insulinotropic effect of the incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) in type 2 diabetes (T2D), GIP has not been considered therapeutically viable. Recently, however, tirzepatide, a novel dual incretin receptor agonist (activating the GIP receptor and the glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor) has demonstrated greater glucose and body weight-lowering properties as compared to GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. The contribution of GIP receptor activation to effects of tirzepatide remains unknown. We will evaluate the glucose-lowering effect of exogenous GIP in the context of pharmacological GLP-1 receptor activation in patients with T2D. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: In this randomised, double-blind, four-arm parallel, placebo-controlled trial, 60 patients with T2D will be included (18–74 of age; on diet and exercise and/or metformin therapy only; glycated haemoglobin 6.5–10.5% (48–91 mmol/mol)). Participants will be randomised to an 8-week run-in period with subcutaneous (s.c.) placebo or semaglutide injections once-weekly (0.5 mg). Participants will then be randomised to 6 weeks’ add-on treatment with continuous s.c. placebo or GIP infusion (16 pmol/kg/min). The primary endpoint is change in mean glucose levels (assessed by 14-day continuous glucose monitoring) from the end of the run-in period to end of trial. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The present study was approved by the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics in the Capitol Region of Denmark (identification no. H-20070184) and by the Danish Medicines Agency (EudraCT no. 2020-004774-22). All results, positive, negative and inconclusive, will be disseminated at national and/or international scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: NCT05078255 and U1111-1259-1491.