We are researching if a study medicine (GLP-1 receptor agonist), along with a healthy diet and exercise, can help people living with excess weight or obesity lose weight.
If you decide to join the Vesper-4 study, you will be supported by a team of weight loss specialists and given a variety of tools to guide you every step of the way.
Who may participate
Each clinical trial has its own guidelines for who can participate, called eligibility criteria. Some of the eligibility criteria to participate in this clinical trial include:
Overweight or obesity
Have a body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 or higher OR
- 27 to <30 with a weight-related condition
Weight-related conditions (required for people with a BMI 27 to <30)
Have been diagnosed with a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or heart disease
Type 2 diabetes
Have not been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
Age
18+ years
Additional requirements apply
The study team will discuss other requirements with you and determine if you are eligible to participate in this clinical trial.
What to expect
If you decide to join this clinical trial, the study team will perform some screening tests to see if the study is a good fit for you.
If you meet all the requirements, your participation will last about 2 years with in-person clinic or telehealth visits approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. During the study, you will have tests to monitor your health and weight.
During the Treatment Period, you will be randomly assigned (like pulling a number out of a hat) to receive weekly doses of either the study medicine or a placebo (no active medicine).
Both the study medicine and placebo will be given as an injection under the skin with an injectable pen. You will be instructed on how to use the injectable pen to take your weekly doses at home.
After you finish the Treatment Period, you will have 1 additional follow-up visit for the study team to check your health and weight.
84 weeks
Treatment Period
About 14 clinic visits and 5 telehealth visits
Study Visit Schedule
No cost to participate, and health insurance is not required
Study-Related Costs
About the study medicine
The study medicine is a GLP-1 RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist). It mimics the effects of a hormone in your body called GLP-1 which helps control your appetite and blood sugar. Along with a healthy diet and exercise, it may help people lose weight by:
- Increasing a feeling of fullness after eating
- Slowing down digestion
- Reducing appetite
- Regulating blood sugar levels
Why your participation matters
For people living with overweight or obesity, finding solutions to manage their weight can be a challenge. Many factors—including age, sex, race, ethnicity, other health conditions, and lifestyle—can affect a person’s weight and how they respond to weight loss treatment.
We recognize how personal and complex weight management can be. That’s why we’re researching new ways to help people reach their weight loss goals.
Since people respond to treatment differently, it’s important for this clinical trial to include participants from a wide range of backgrounds. This will help us better understand how the study medicine works for different people.
Your participation and commitment could make a difference for you and others who also struggle with managing their weight.
Frequently asked questions
If you qualify and decide to participate, you will receive:
- All study-related visits, assessments, counseling, and the study medicine at no cost
- Reimbursement for study-related expenses such as parking and other transportation costs
- Ongoing counseling and resources on diet and physical activity from a team of weight loss specialists, including a personalized plan
- Resources and education to help you continue a healthy lifestyle even after the clinical trial is completed
The placebo looks like the study medicine but does not have any active ingredients in it. It is used so that researchers can see if there are differences in how people respond to the study medicine.
Whether you are in the placebo group or the study medicine group, you will be making a difference to our understanding of how the study medicine works.
Because the study medicine affects digestion, some people may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or constipation. The study team can advise on ways to manage or minimize these types of side effects, such as eating smaller meals, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating only when hungry.
There are other common side effects that the study team will explain before you join the study.
The study team will work with you to develop a customized diet plan, including a reduced daily calorie intake goal, to help you lose weight in a healthy way.
They will also provide you with regular nutritional counseling to help you meet your weight loss goals.
You will be asked to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. A wide variety of resources will be available to help you plan your physical activities and keep you motivated.
Participation is completely voluntary. You can leave the clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular medical care or benefits.