Plain-English translation of NCT06229678 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.
This trial is testing empagliflozin, a medication already used to treat type 2 diabetes, to see if it can help people who also have heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Researchers want to understand how this medication works in the body—specifically, how it changes the way muscles and the heart use energy. Over 12 weeks, the study team will use special imaging scans to measure these changes and ask you how you feel.
People with both type 2 diabetes and heart failure often struggle because their hearts and muscles don't work efficiently. This medication has shown promise in helping heart failure patients, but scientists don't fully understand the mechanism—how and why it works. This trial aims to fill that gap so doctors can better help patients like you.
You likely qualify if…
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You will be randomly assigned to take either the study medication (empagliflozin 25 mg once daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks. During this time, you'll visit the research center for specialized heart and muscle imaging scans (including MRI scans) and answer questionnaires about your symptoms and quality of life. Some visits may involve exercise tests so researchers can measure how your muscles use energy before and after treatment.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 14, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Phase
Safety & dosing
Sponsor
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Enrollment target
~71 participants
Started
January 2024
Primary completion
November 2026
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in February 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Ralph DeFronzo, MD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.