RecruitingPhase 2

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists to Decrease Ethanol and CVD Risk in HIV

United States200 participantsStarted 2026-04-17

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the drug semaglutide works to reduce alcohol intake among adults living with HIV. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does semaglutide lower the average number of alcoholic beverages participants drink per week? 2. Does semaglutide lower the average number of cigarettes participants smoke per day? 3. Does semaglutide decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV who drink alcohol and/or smoke tobacco? Researchers will compare the effects of semaglutide to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if semaglutide works to lower the alcohol intake among participants each week. Participants will: 1. Take semaglutide for 3 months 2. Visit the research clinic 3 times for checkups and tests 3. Provide blood samples, stool samples, and saliva samples for tests.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 89 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-89 * Prior diagnosis of HIV-1 * Affiliated with Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic * On current ART regimen for at least 90 days prior to study entry with no missed doses for at least 7 consecutive days. * Most recent absolute CD4 count ≥ 300 cells/mm3 and drawn within 12 months of study enrollment * BMI ≥ 23 (calculated at screening) * Self-report of consuming alcohol in past 90 days * AUDIT-C ≥ 3 (male)/ ≥ 2 (female) * Has an established stable address at which they can receive mail and can be reached for the next 6 months * Willing and able to complete study procedures and follow-ups Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to semaglutide * Currently taking GLP-1 RA (in the past 3 months) * History of diabetes defined by diagnosis in Problems List in medical record * History of pancreatitis * History of gastroparesis * Gallbladder disease (in the past 3 months) * History of medullary thyroid carcinoma * Family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma * History of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 * Family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 * Cognitive inability to consent * Barrier to speaking, hearing, reading, or writing English * Pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant in the next 6 months * Too ill to complete study procedures

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Average drinks/week past 30 days at 3 months

Timeframe: 3 Months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07221214

SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2029-10-31

Contact for this trial

Hilary A Tindle, MD, MPH

615-875-9726 hilary.tindle@vumc.org

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