Semaglutide 2.4mg for Low Responders After Bariatric Surgery (SEABAR)

February 22, 2024 updated by: Zuyderland Medisch Centrum
In 20 - 30% of the patients, the low responders, sufficient weight loss is not achieved after bariatric surgery. Secondary and/or tertiary bariatric procedures can lead to successful weight loss and resolution of comorbid conditions though, morbidity and mortality rates of these procedures are high. Therefore, additional pharmacotherapy has been suggested. Semaglutide is one of the medications that might improve outcome in the post-bariatric population. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogue developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It causes glucose-dependent insulin secretion, promotes satiety and inhibits glucagon secretion. In obese (non-bariatric) patients, semaglutide has shown to improve glycemic control, decrease blood pressure, lower cardiovascular risk, and decrease body weight.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

The treatment of obesity can be divided into three different fields: non-surgical interventions (e.g. endoscopic techniques, swallowable gastric balloon), pharmacological, and surgical treatment. All these different fields have, as their cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle interventions. Lifestyle interventions have an emphasis on regulation of energy intake and improvement of physical activity. All treatment options are adjunct to the lifestyle interventions. Besides, not all overweight or obese people are eligible for all types of treatment. For instance, pharmacological treatment options are advised in patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 27kg/m2 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus. Several pharmaceutical agents have been developed for treatment of obesity. These medications generally affect appetite and cause weight loss only when the agent is taken in adjunct to lifestyle modification. Mean weight loss with pharmacological treatment ranges between 4.4 and 14.3%, depending on type of medication and treatment regime.

Bariatric surgery, also called metabolic surgery, includes a variety of surgical procedures in which the gastro-intestinal tract is altered. The most performed types of surgery are the Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All types of surgery cause changes in gut hormones, bile acids and microbiota, which subsequently induce changes in appetite and energy expenditure and thereby causing weight loss. Surgery is generally advised to patients with a BMI ≥ 40kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 35kg/m2 with comorbid conditions. Compared to lifestyle intervention programs, bariatric surgery has proven to be a superior treatment for morbid obesity. Total weight loss (TWL) is about 20 - 30 %. In addition, bariatric surgery positively influences comorbid conditions, like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer incidence, cardiovascular events and cardiovascular deaths. Thus, currently, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity.

However, there is a significant proportion of patients who do not reach "successful" weight loss after bariatric surgery. These patients can be divided in patients who do not reach sufficient weight loss, low responders, and patients who experience weight regain. Although there is no guideline to define who are low responders and what is significant weight regain, unsuccessful weight loss seems to occur in about 20-30% of the population. One of the best predictors of low weight loss in the long-term after surgery is 3-month weight loss. Therefore, this study's clinic provides an extra intervention for the patients who are considered low responders at the 3-month follow-up moment after surgery. The NOK defines a low responder by percentage total weight loss (%TWL) at the 3-month follow-up moment compared to expected weight loss. When %TWL is below the 25% quartile of expected weight loss the patient is considered a low responder. The expected weight loss is determined based on this clinics database of previous patients with the same baseline Body Mass Index (BMI above or below 50 kg/m2), gender and type of surgery. Thus, in the current treatment program patients have a medical consultation in which weight loss is determined three months after surgery. Based on baseline weight and exact number of days after surgery it is calculated whether the patient is a low responder with respect to a private database (currently about 6000 patients). If a patient is considered a low responder then the patient will receive three extra counselling sessions focusing on improving weight loss outcome. This extra intervention is called the plus module and is an addition to the standard program, which consists of multidisciplinary group counselling before and after surgery.

Secondary and/or tertiary bariatric procedures are performed in up to 25% of the patients with unsuccessful weight loss. Although additional surgery can lead to successful weight loss and resolution of comorbid conditions, morbidity and mortality rates of these procedures are higher. Therefore, attention has been focused on pharmacological treatment as an addition to bariatric surgery.

One of the agents that has been suggested for additional pharmacological treatment is semaglutide. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor analogue which was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is one of the incretins, a peptide hormone which is normally secreted from L cells in the distal ileum and colon. When secreted, GLP-1 causes an increase in insulin secretion of the beta-cells of the pancreas and a decrease of glucagon production of the alfa-cells. These changes cause a decrease of fasting and post prandial plasma glucose. In addition, GLP-1 also causes delayed gastric emptying. In non-bariatric patients, semaglutide has shown to improve glycaemic control, decrease blood pressure, lower cardiovascular risk and decrease body weight up to one year.

In this trial the effect of semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly to the plus module for low responders on the improvement of weight loss compared to patient solely receiving the plus module will be evaluated.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

152

Phase

  • Phase 4

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • BMI before surgery was ≥ 35.0 kg/m2
  • Patient is treated with group consultation at the NOK
  • Patient has undergone a primary (banded) RYGB or (banded) sleeve gastrectomy (SG)
  • Patient is in the lowest %TWL quartile, 3 months after surgery and will be enrolled in the plus module.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Gastropareses or gastro-intestinal complaints after bariatric surgery
  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes and/or diabetic retinopathy
  • Decreased renal function (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min)
  • Liver failure (all)
  • Congestive heart failure or angina pectoris NYHA class III and IV
  • Malignancy in history
  • Pancreatitis (in history)
  • (expected) Pregnancy / breast-feeding
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • Thyroid malignancy in history
  • Use of warfarin or other coumarin derivates

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Semaglutide 2.4mg
Patients in this group will receive the active comparator semaglutide 2.4mg. This is a medication which is distributed by an intramuscular injection once weekly.
The semaglutide will be used in the allocated group in addition to our lifestyle program for the duration of 68 weeks in total.
Other Names:
  • Wegovy
  • Semaglutide
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Patients in this group will receive the placebo. This is a placebo which is distributed by an intramuscular injection once weekly.
The placebo will be used in the allocated group in addition to our lifestyle program for the duration of 68 weeks in total.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Weight change from start study at 3 months post operative until 15 months later
Time Frame: 15 months
To study the weight change from 3 until 18 months after surgery (% total weight loss, TWL) in low responders after bariatric surgery who are treated with Semaglutide 2.4 mg and a lifestyle intervention
15 months
Difference between placebo group and treatment group in weight change
Time Frame: 15 months
compare change in weight to patients receiving placebo and a lifestyle intervention
15 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Weight loss 3 months after surgery
Time Frame: 3 months
To study the weight loss at 3 months after surgery (before semaglutide start)
3 months
Weight loss 6 months after surgery
Time Frame: 6 months
To study the weight loss at 6 months after surgery (3 months after semaglutide start)
6 months
Weight loss 12 months after surgery
Time Frame: 12 months
To study the weight loss at 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start)
12 months
Weight loss 18 months after surgery
Time Frame: 18 months
To study the weight loss at18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start)
18 months
Metabolic health before surgery (bloodpressure)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: bloodpressure in mmHg
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (HbA1c)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HbA1c in mmol/mol
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (glucose)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: glucose in mmol/l
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (triglyceride)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: triglycerides in mmol/l
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (LDL)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: LDL in mmol/l
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (HDL)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HDL in mmol/l
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health before surgery (total cholesterol)
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study metabolic health before surgery (before semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: total cholesterol in mmol/l
Screening for surgery
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (Bloodpressure)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: bloodpressure in mmHg
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (HbA1c)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HbA1c mmol/mol
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (glucose)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: glucose in mmol/l
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (triglyceride)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: triglycerides in mmol/l
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (LDL)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: LDL in mmol/l
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (HDL)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HDL in mmol/l
3 months
Metabolic health 3 months after surgery (total cholesterol)
Time Frame: 3 months
To study metabolic health 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: total cholesterol in mmol/l
3 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (bloodpressure)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: bloodpressure in mmHg
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (HbA1c)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HbA1c in mmol/mol
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (glucose)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: glucose mmol/l
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (triglyceride)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: triglycerides in mmol/l
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (LDL)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: LDL in mmol/l
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (HDL)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HDL in mmol/l
6 months
Metabolic health at 6 months after surgery (total cholesterol)
Time Frame: 6 months
To study metabolic health 6 months after surgery (3 after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: total cholesterol in mmol/l
6 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (bloodpressure)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: bloodpressure in mmHg
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (HbA1c)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HbA1c in mmol/mol
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (glucose)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: glucose in mmol/l
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (triglyceride)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: triglycerides in mmol/l
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (LDL)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: LDL in mmol/l
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (HDL)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HDL in mmol/l
12 months
Metabolic health at 12 months after surgery (total cholesterol)
Time Frame: 12 months
To study metabolic health 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: total cholesterol in mmol/l
12 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (bloodpressure)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: bloodpressure in mmHg
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (HbA1c)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HbA1c in mmol/mol
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (glucose)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: glucose mmol/l
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (triglyceride)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: triglycerides in mmol/l
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (LDL)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: LDL in mmol/l
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (HDL)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: HDL in mmol/l
18 months
Metabolic health at 18 months after surgery (total cholesterol)
Time Frame: 18 months
To study metabolic health 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) by using the following parameter: total cholesterol mmol/l
18 months
Health-related quality of life also related to gastro intestinal symptoms before surgery
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To study health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also related to gastro-intestinal symptoms before surgery (before semaglutide start) using the BODY-Q questionnaire
Screening for surgery
Health-related quality of life also related to gastro intestinal symptoms 3 months after surgery
Time Frame: 3 months
To study health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also related to gastro-intestinal symptoms at start of treatment (at semaglutide start) questionnaire
3 months
Health-related quality of life also related to gastro intestinal symptoms 6 months after surgery
Time Frame: 6 months
To study health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also related to gastro-intestinal symptoms 6 months after surgery (3 months after semaglutide start) questionnaire
6 months
Health-related quality of life also related to gastro intestinal symptoms
Time Frame: 12 months
To study health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also related to gastro-intestinal symptoms 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) questionnaire
12 months
Health-related quality of life also related to gastro intestinal symptoms
Time Frame: 18 months
To study health-related quality of life (HRQOL) also related to gastro-intestinal symptoms 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) questionnaire
18 months
Cardiorespiratory fitness level before surgery
Time Frame: Screening for surgery
To evaluate the change in cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants before surgery (before semaglutide start ) using a VO2 max test
Screening for surgery
Cardiorespiratory fitness level 3 months after surgery
Time Frame: 3 months
To evaluate the change in cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants 3 months after surgery (at semaglutide start) using a VO2 max test
3 months
Cardiorespiratory fitness level 6 months after surgery
Time Frame: 6 months
To evaluate the change in cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants 6 months after surgery (3 months after semaglutide start) using a VO2 max test
6 months
Cardiorespiratory fitness level 12 months after surgery
Time Frame: 12 months
To evaluate the change in cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants 12 months after surgery (9 months after semaglutide start) using a VO2 max test
12 months
Cardiorespiratory fitness level 18 months after surgery
Time Frame: 18 months
To evaluate the change in cardiorespiratory fitness level of the participants 18 months after surgery (15 months after semaglutide start) using a VO2 max test
18 months
Change in liver fat and liver stiffness at start of treatment
Time Frame: Screening for study
To study the change in liver fat and liver stiffness, measured with vibration controlled transient elastography, at start of treatment with semaglutide
Screening for study
Change in liver fat and liver stiffness 15 months after semaglutide start
Time Frame: 15 months
To study the change in liver fat and liver stiffness, measured with vibration controlled transient elastography, 15 months after semaglutide start
15 months
To describe the persistence of therapy
Time Frame: 15 months
The number of patients who persisted the therapy given in the study
15 months
To describe the average weekly dose
Time Frame: 15 months
The number of patient on all possible dosages at the end of the study.
15 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Jan Willem Greve, prof, Zuyderland Medical Center

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2024

Primary Completion (Estimated)

February 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

September 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 15, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 22, 2024

First Posted (Actual)

March 1, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 1, 2024

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 22, 2024

Last Verified

February 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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