Award
National Institute on Aging 1R21AG091075-01A1
Vibegron: A Novel Treatment for Multisystem Functional Decline in Aging and Obesity
Recipient
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Award Amount
$426,250.00
Ceiling
$426,250.00
Awarded
January 30, 2026
Identifier
1R21AG091075-01A1
This award funds a clinical trial testing vibegron to improve metabolic, physical, and cognitive functions in aging adults with obesity, using innovative biological and physiological measures.
Description
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate whether the β3AR agonist vibegron can improve energy metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors, and physical and cognitive functions in middle-aged and older adults with obesity. The study assesses effects on energy expenditure, core body temperature, mitochondrial bioenergetics, thermogenic protein expression, glucose and insulin indices, lipid levels, body composition, fat distribution, lower extremity function, muscle strength, cognition, memory, executive function, quality of life, and depression. Innovations include blood-based mitochondrial profiling, extracellular vesicle analysis, and continuous core temperature monitoring. This is the first clinical trial exploring vibegron for aging-related obesity and comorbidities, aiming to inform larger future studies.