Testing a gel and light treatment for diabetic foot ulcers

Plain-English translation of NCT07488247 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This study is testing a treatment called Chlorin E6 gel combined with red light therapy (photodynamic therapy) for people with diabetic foot ulcers. The gel is applied to the wound, and after 30 minutes, a special red light is shone on the area for about 11 minutes. Researchers want to see if this treatment, used alongside standard wound care, helps ulcers heal faster and reduces the need for amputation.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication that can lead to infection and amputation. While standard wound care helps, many ulcers heal slowly or don't heal well, so researchers are testing whether this medication combined with light therapy could improve healing rates and prevent amputations.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with diabetes and have a chronic foot ulcer that has been present for at least 4 weeks
you are 18 years old or older
your blood sugar control is reasonably stable (HbA1c less than 12% and random blood sugar less than 350 mg/dL)
you are vitally stable with no signs of severe infection or sepsis
your wound is between 0.5 and 20 square centimeters in size and has been present for less than 2 years
you are willing and able to attend all follow-up visits for 6 months and understand what the study involves

You likely don't qualify if…

you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are a woman of childbearing age not using contraception
you have severe heart disease, heart failure, or serious kidney disease
you have a history of severe allergies to any component of the gel or to chlorophyll-based compounds
you have a wound that extends into bone, or you have more than 2 ulcers on your foot or leg
you are currently participating in another clinical trial or have participated in one within the past 3 months

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new gel and light treatment plus standard wound care, or standard wound care alone. Over 6 months, you will visit the study center regularly for wound assessments, photographs, and blood tests to track how well your ulcer is healing. The gel and light treatment, when used, takes about 45 minutes total per session (including application, waiting time, and light exposure).

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Pakistan

Creek General Hospital, Karachi, Sindh

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov