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Diabetes MellitusPhase 2NCT04055428

NAUTICAL: Effect of Natriuretic Peptide Augmentation on Cardiometabolic Health in Black Individuals

A Phase 2 study testing Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral Tablet, Valsartan 160 mg and Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test in people with Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Black individuals are more likely to have decreased insulin sensitivity which results in a high risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease. The reasons for this are incompletely understood. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral Tablet, Valsartan 160 mg and Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
200 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
15 Aug 2020to 31 May 2027
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults: Age more than or equal to 18 years of age
  • Self-identified race/ethnicity as African-American or Black
  • Blood pressure: 120-160/80-100 mmHg

Who cannot join

  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who can become pregnant and not practicing an acceptable method of birth control during the study (including abstinence)
  • Have any past or present history of cardiovascular diseases (stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, transient ischemic attack, angina, or cardiac arrhythmia)
  • BP more than 160/100 mmHg
  • BMI >45 kg/m2
  • History of diabetes or fasting plasma glucose >=126 mg/dL or HbA1C>=6.5%
  • History of angioedema
Show all 13Show fewer
  • Current or past (<12 months) history of smoking
  • Estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2; albumin-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g
  • Hepatic Transaminase (AST and ALT) levels >3x the upper limit of normal
  • Significant psychiatric illness or seizure disorder
  • More than 2 Alcoholic drinks daily
  • Anemia (men, Hct < 38%, Hb<13 g/dL; women, Hct <36%, Hb <12 g/dL)
  • Inability to exercise on a treadmill

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Nehal Vekariya, MS contact

205-934-7173

nvekariya@uabmc.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294

    Nehal Vekariya, MS, 205-934-7173, nvekariya@uabmc.edu

    Pankaj Arora, MD

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: The Effects of Natriuretic Peptide Augmentation on Cardiometabolic Health in Black Individuals (NAUTICAL)

Black individuals are more likely to have decreased insulin sensitivity which results in a high risk for the development of cardiometabolic disease. The reasons for this are incompletely understood. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones produced by the heart that play a role in regulating the metabolic health of an individual. Low circulating level of NPs is an important contributor to increased risk for diabetes. The NP levels are relatively lower among Black individuals thus affecting their metabolic health and putting them at a higher risk for diabetes. This study aims to test the hypothesis that by augmenting NP levels using sacubitril/valsartan, among Black Individuals one can improve their metabolic health (as measured by insulin sensitivity \& energy expenditure) and help establish the role of NPs in the underlying mechanism behind increased risk for cardiometabolic disease in these population.

Read the detailed description

Black individuals are more likely to have a reduced insulin sensitivity which results in a greater risk for diabetes. However, the reasons for their decreased insulin sensitivity are not clearly understood. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) are hormones produced by the heart that is known to have a wide range of favorable metabolic effects. Studies indicate that lower NP levels are associated with a decreased insulin sensitivity and this may be causally related to the development of diabetes.

Evidence suggests that Black individuals have low levels of NPs. Increased clearance of NPs by neprilysin, an NP degrading enzyme, contributes to the low levels of NP among Black individuals. Since NPs play an important role in the regulation of insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure, one can infer that relatively low NP levels are an important biological contributor to the high prevalence rates of cardiometabolic disease in African Americans.

Sacubitril/valsartan is an FDA-approved inhibitor of neprilysin that augment NP levels. NP augmentation using sacubitril/valsartan has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism in a small clinical trial among obese White individuals. It can be postulated that NP augmentation in populations with relatively low NP levels will help in improving their metabolic health. Improvement in the metabolic health following NP augmentation will also help us to outline the relationship between the NP system and the risk of cardiometabolic disease among Black individuals.

We hypothesize that NP augmentation among Black individuals will show an improvement in their metabolic health as measured by insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. We hypothesize that African American individuals will show an improvement in their insulin sensitivity and their resting \& exercise energy expenditure after treatment with sacubitril/valsartan versus valsartan alone.

Our study will have the following aims. The first aim is to assess the change in the insulin sensitivity after NP augmentation therapy (using sacubitril/valsartan) as compared with NP neutral therapy (using valsartan) among Black individuals. We will measure the change in insulin sensitivity (assessed using IVGTT) after 12 weeks of intervention. We will also assess the change in NP levels (a marker of NP augmentation) \& cyclic guanylate monophosphate (cGMP) levels after intervention and evaluate their relationship with the change in insulin sensitivity.

The second aim of our study is to examine the change in the energy expenditure after sacubitril/valsartan as compared to valsartan alone among Black individuals. The individuals enrolled in the first aim will also be examined for the change in resting as well as exercise energy expenditure. This will be assessed using standardized protocol performed using the metabolic cart and an exercise treadmill, at baseline and after 12 weeks of either sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan alone.

The secondary aim of our study is to assess the GLP-1 response to meals after treatment with sacubitril/valsartan in Black individuals. We will evaluate the change in postprandial GLP-1 response to meals at baseline and after 12 weeks of either sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan alone.

Being tested
Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral Tablet, Valsartan 160 mg, Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test, Standardized Meals, Exercise capacity VO2 maximum determination
Keywords
Natriuretic Peptides, Diabetes, Insulin Sensitivity, Energy Expenditure
Medical subject headings
Diabetes Mellitus, Cardiovascular Diseases, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral TabletDrug

    Also called Sacubitril/Valsartan arm

    The subject will be randomized, in a double-blind manner to sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg twice daily for a period of 12 weeks.

  • Valsartan 160 mgDrug

    Also called Valsartan arm

    The subject will be randomized, in a double-blind manner to valsartan 160 mg twice daily for a period of 12 weeks.

  • Intravenous Glucose Tolerance TestOther

    An assessment of the insulin sensitivity will be done using the IVGTT, at baseline and after 12 weeks of pharmacological interventions.

  • Standardized MealsDietary supplement

    Participants will consume the standardized study mixed meal for the assessment of postprandial GLP-1 response to the meal.

  • Exercise capacity VO2 maximum determinationOther

    Each participant's maximal oxygen capacity will be determined using modified Bruce treadmill protocol.

Study groups in NCT04055428
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Sacubitril/ValsartanExperimentalWe will enroll 100 adult Black individuals. Each participant will take the assigned dose of medication twice daily for 12 weeks. We evaluate insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
Receives: Drug: Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral Tablet; Other: Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test; Dietary Supplement: Standardized Meals; Other: Exercise capacity VO2 maximum determination
ValsartanActive comparatorWe will enroll 100 adult Black individuals. Each participant will take the assigned dose of medication twice daily for 12 weeks. We evaluate insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
Receives: Drug: Valsartan 160 mg; Other: Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test; Dietary Supplement: Standardized Meals; Other: Exercise capacity VO2 maximum determination

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in insulin sensitivity after natriuretic peptide augmentation

    An assessment of the insulin sensitivity will be done at baseline and after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Change in energy expenditure after natriuretic peptide augmentation

    An assessment of the resting energy expenditure will be done at baseline and after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    Measured: 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (25)
  1. Change in exercise energy expenditure after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    During standardized protocol after 12 weeks of intervention, the energy expenditure will be calculated using metabolic cart.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  2. Change in post-meal increase in GLP-1 levels

    Change in GLP-1 levels after a standardized meal after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  3. Change in peak oxygen consumption after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    Change in the peak oxygen consumption (VO2 max) after 12 weeks of intervention.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  4. Change in fasting GLP-1 levels

    Change in fasting GLP-1 levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  5. Change in natriuretic peptide levels

    Change in natriuretic peptide levels (ANP, MRproANP, BNP, NTproBNP) after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  6. Change in measures of insulin sensitivity

    Change in measures of insulin sensitivity (AIRg, Sg, Kg, Disposition Index) after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  7. Change in HBA1c levels

    Change in HBA1c levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  8. Change in fasting blood glucose levels

    Change in fasting blood glucose levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  9. Change in HOMA-IR

    Change in HOMA-IR after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  10. Change in fasting insulin levels

    Change in fasting insulin levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  11. Change in measures of body mass index

    Change in the measures of body mass index after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  12. Change in measures of hip circumference

    Change in the measures of hip circumference after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  13. Change in measures of waist circumference

    Change in the measures of waist circumference after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  14. Change in measures of adipose tissue mass

    Change in the measures of adipose tissue mass after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  15. Change in total cholesterol levels

    Change in the total cholesterol levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  16. Change in LDL-C levels

    Change in LDL-C levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  17. Change in HDL-C levels

    Change in HDL-C levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  18. Change in triglyceride levels

    Change in triglyceride levels after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention

    Measured: 12 weeks

  19. Correlation of change in MR-pro atrial natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in MR-pro atrial natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  20. Correlation of change in MR-pro atrial natriuretic peptide levels with change in energy expenditure after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in MR-pro atrial natriuretic peptide levels with change in resting and exercise energy expenditure after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  21. Correlation of change in B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  22. Correlation of change in B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in resting energy expenditure after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in resting energy expenditure after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  23. Correlation of change in NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in insulin sensitivity after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  24. Correlation of change in NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in energy expenditure after 12 weeks of pharmacological intervention.

    The exposure-response relationship of change in NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide levels with change in resting and exercise energy expenditure after 12 weeks of intervention will be examined.

    Measured: 12 weeks

  25. Impact of Natriuretic Peptide Genotype on Study Endpoints

    All study outcomes will be analyzed by natriuretic peptide genotypes

    Measured: 12 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Aug 2019
  2. Study start15 Aug 2020
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 May 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
200 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04055428
Sponsor's protocol ID
300003702
Other IDs
R01HL163852
Status last verified
Jul 2026
First submitted
7 Aug 2019
Last updated
28 Jul 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Jordan J, Stinkens R, Jax T, Engeli S, Blaak EE, May M, Havekes B, Schindler C, Albrecht D, Pal P, Heise T, Goossens GH, Langenickel TH. Improved Insulin Sensitivity With Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibition in Individuals With Obesity and Hypertension. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2017 Feb;101(2):254-263. doi: 10.1002/cpt.455. Epub 2016 Nov 17.

    PubMed 27542885
  • Arora P, Reingold J, Baggish A, Guanaga DP, Wu C, Ghorbani A, Song Y, Chen-Tournaux A, Khan AM, Tainsh LT, Buys ES, Williams JS, Heublein DM, Burnett JC, Semigran MJ, Bloch KD, Scherrer-Crosbie M, Newton-Cheh C, Kaplan LM, Wang TJ. Weight loss, saline loading, and the natriuretic peptide system. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015 Jan 16;4(1):e001265. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.114.001265.

    PubMed 25595796
  • Seferovic JP, Claggett B, Seidelmann SB, Seely EW, Packer M, Zile MR, Rouleau JL, Swedberg K, Lefkowitz M, Shi VC, Desai AS, McMurray JJV, Solomon SD. Effect of sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril on glycaemic control in patients with heart failure and diabetes: a post-hoc analysis from the PARADIGM-HF trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2017 May;5(5):333-340. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30087-6. Epub 2017 Mar 18.

    PubMed 28330649
  • Patel N, Cushman M, Gutierrez OM, Howard G, Safford MM, Muntner P, Durant RW, Prabhu SD, Arora G, Levitan EB, Arora P. Racial differences in the association of NT-proBNP with risk of incident heart failure in REGARDS. JCI Insight. 2019 Jun 4;5(13):e129979. doi: 10.1172/jci.insight.129979.

    PubMed 31162140

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Sacubitril, Valsartan 97-103 mg Oral Tablet, Valsartan 160 mg and Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test in people with Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 13 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Nehal Vekariya, MS (205-934-7173, nvekariya@uabmc.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in insulin sensitivity after natriuretic peptide augmentation (time frame: 12 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04055428, which also lists 4 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 28 Jul 2026.

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