Research
Studies
We rely on volunteers for many of our research projects. If you would like to support our research and take part in a study, you will find further information and contact details in the links provided.
ACRODAT - Prospective evaluation of the ACRODAT app in everyday clinical practice
When acromegaly is diagnosed, it is standard practice to ask patients about their clinical condition and to monitor autonomous growth hormone secretion by measuring IGF-1 levels in order to record the activity of the disease. In our research project, we want to find out whether the use of ACRODAT, a newly developed medical software, can lead to better therapy results. This software systematically links symptoms, laboratory findings and imaging findings to provide a better and more complete picture of disease activity, which will hopefully lead to better treatment outcomes.
Contact
Prof. Emanuel Christ
Head of Interdisciplinary Endocrinology
Tel. (24h availability): +41 79 524 48 71
emanuel.christ@usb.ch
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/172828/studie/59526
BANDIT Study - Brown adipose tissue as a nutrient buffer through diet-induced thermogenesis
In this study, we are investigating how the activity of brown adipose tissue affects the energy metabolism after the intake of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Healthy, normal-weight individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 can take part.
Contact
Laila Füchtbauer
laila.fuechtbauer@usb.ch
Link: https: //clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06078345?term=NCT06078345&rank=1
BELIFE - Bicycle exercise and lifestyle intervention for newly diagnosed diabetes
The study investigates improved treatment options for patients with newly diagnosed or not yet drug controlled diabetes (type 2 diabetes mellitus). We are conducting this study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of intensive lifestyle modification (i.e. exercise and diet). The aim is to improve diabetes without medication.
Contact
Dr. Matthias Hepprich
Phone +41 76 277 90 54
matthias.hepprich@usb.ch
Justus Fischer
41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/studie/45253
BONA - Influence of sodium levels on bone metabolism in hospitalized patients with hyponatremia
This study is aimed at hospitalized patients of legal age who suffer from low blood sodium levels (= hyponatremia).
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in hospitalized patients. Various studies have shown that hyponatremia is associated with increased fractures and deterioration of bone quality, with an increase in bone resorption markers in the blood. This observational study investigates the changes of bone resorption and bone formation markers in blood in hospitalized patients with resolution or persistence of hyponatremia within 10+/-3 days.
Contact
Dr. Laura Potasso
laura.potasso@usb.ch
CanpHy - Canakinumab for the treatment of postprandial hypoglycemia
Some patients who have undergone obesity surgery (so-called bariatric surgery) may experience hypoglycaemia, which typically occurs 1-3 hours after eating, especially carbohydrate-containing foods (so-called postprandial hypoglycaemia). In the past, these were also referred to as late dumping. In bariatric surgery patients, blood sugar rises rapidly after food intake and in some patients leads to an excessive release of the messenger substance (hormone) insulin, which sometimes lowers blood sugar too much. The causes of this are not fully understood.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the hypoglycaemia observed after food intake can be favourably influenced by the drug canakinumab (Ilaris®, Novartis) and whether the quality of life of patients with this disease also improves.
Contact
Justus Fischer
Phone +41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Dr. Matthias Hepprich
41 76 277 90 54
matthias.hepprich@usb.ch
Link: https: //clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05401578 (English)
Cephalira - IL-1 receptor antagonist during the cephalic phase of insulin secretion in health and type 2 diabetes
Insulin is a hormone that allows us to metabolize carbohydrates and plays an important role in diabetes.
Even before carbohydrates appear in the blood, the stimulation of various senses (smelling, looking at a meal) triggers the release of insulin in the body, which is known as the cephalic phase, because digestion is already activated via nerves and the brain.
An important messenger substance that influences the release of insulin is an inflammatory messenger substance known as interleukin-1.
The aim of this study is to test whether IL-1 controls the cephalic phase of insulin release in humans and whether anakinra (Kineret®), a drug that inhibits IL-1, alters insulin release, particularly during the cephalic phase.
Contact
Justus Fischer
Phone +41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/172831/studie/49736
Desire PLUS - Effects of Glucagon-like-Peptide-1 Analogues on Sexuality
This study is aimed at males between the ages of 18 and 75 who would like to lose weight as part of the obesity consultation using Liraglutide (Saxenda®) and / or lifestyle optimization (including physical activity, adjustment of eating habits).
In this study, we are investigating the effect of the drug liraglutide (Saxenda®) on sexual desire in comparison with lifestyle measures. At the same time, we are measuring the influence of the drug on sex hormones and sperm, among other things.
Contact
Dr. med. Sophia Lengsfeld
sophia.lengsfeld@usb.ch
EmpHy - Empagliflozin for the treatment of postprandial hypoglycemia
The study is aimed at patients with hypoglycaemia after food intake who have undergone bariatric surgery for weight control (e.g. gastric bypass, gastric sleeve surgery) and suffer from frequent hypoglycaemia. Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, will be used to compensate for the strong fluctuations in blood sugar in these patients after food intake and thus improve the rate of hypoglycaemia and quality of life. Patients are treated with either placebo (dummy drug) or the active substance (empagliflozin) for 4 weeks. The allocation is random and is not known to the investigators or the patients during the study. Total duration of the study with inclusion/screening and follow-up phase 2.5 months.
Contact
Dr. Matthias Hepprich
Phone +41 76 277 90 54
matthias.hepprich@usb.ch
Justus Fischer
41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/en/snctp-portal/searching-for-a-clinical-trial/study/55994
EMPOWER - Effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin on patients with euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia
This study is aimed at adult hospitalized patients who suffer from low blood sodium levels (= hyponatremia).
The study investigates the effects of the drug empagliflozin (Jardiance)® on the sodium levels of patients who chronically suffer from low blood sodium levels due to the syndrome of inadequate antidiuresis (SIAD), heart failure, impaired liver or kidney function. We are conducting this study to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of this new therapy.
Contact
Dr. Sophie Monnerat
Phone +41 61 328 76 08
sophie.monnerat@usb.ch
Link: https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/studie/53049
Eye-ITPL - Islet cell transplantation into the anterior chamber of the human eye
The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of islet cell transplantation into the anterior chamber of the eye in humans. To this end, four patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and impaired vision will be included.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Marc Y Donath
Phone +41 61 265 50 78
marc.donath@usb.ch
Justus Fischer
41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Link:https://kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/169822/studie/27949
FAST - Exenatide test for the detection of endogenous insulin-mediated hypoglycemia
To diagnose an insulin-producing tumor (insulinoma), a fasting test is performed, which is complex and cost-intensive. Based on previous observations in patients with insulinoma, we are testing whether the administration of exenatide, a GLP-1 receptor analog, could trigger hypoglycemia and thus facilitate the diagnosis of insulinoma.
Contact
Dr. Matthias Hepprich
Phone +41 76 277 90 54
matthias.hepprich@usb.ch
Prof. Emanuel Christ
Head of Interdisciplinary Endocrinology
Phone (available 24 hours a day): +41 79 524 48 71
emanuel.christ@usb.ch
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/fr/portail-snctp/rechercher-des-essais-cliniques/etude/55929
FIRE Study - Changes in energy metabolism in the human body after a prolonged fasting period (24h)
This study deals with the question of how short-term fasting (24 h) affects energy metabolism.
Healthy, normal-weight individuals between the ages of 18 and 40 can take part.
Contact
Dr. Rahel Löliger
rahel.loeliger@usb.ch
Link: https: //clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06134258?term=NCT06134258&distance=50&rank=1
Gluco-Starve - The role of glucocorticoids during Lent
In our study, we are investigating the role of the stress hormone cortisol during fasting, for which the test subjects have to fast for 2 x 2 days. We suspect that the natural increase in cortisol during fasting has an influence on appetite perception. During one fasting period, the increase in cortisol in the body is suppressed with medication, while during the other fasting period the test subjects receive placebo medication.
The aim of the study is to gain a more precise understanding of the development of appetite. A better understanding of the development of appetite can then lead to new therapeutic approaches for obesity.
We are looking for: healthy male volunteers aged 18 - 40 years with a BMI between 18.0 and 27.0.
Contact
Med. pract. Freschteh Moradi
+41 61 328 55 23
freschteh.moradi@usb.ch
Link:https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05919992?term=gluco-starve&distance=50&rank=1
HIT - Targeted correction of plasma sodium levels in hospitalized patients with hyponatremia
This study is aimed at adult hospitalized patients who suffer from low blood sodium levels (= hyponatremia).
Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder and can have various causes with correspondingly different treatment depending on the trigger. Various studies have shown that hyponatremia is associated with increased clinical complications, hospitalization and mortality. Despite these results, it is still not clear whether targeted treatment of hyponatremia leads to fewer complications and lower mortality.
Contact
Dr. Laura Potasso
laura.potasso@usb.ch
Dr. Julie Refardt
julie.refardt@usb.ch
Links:
Study protocol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34552947/
Kofam study portal: https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/studie/42794
Hypo-Prea - empagliflozin and anakinra for the treatment of postprandial hypoglycemia in patients with prediabetes
For this study, we are looking for patients with an increased risk of diabetes or prediabetes and postprandial hypoglycemia.
Diabetes is preceded by a phase in which blood glucose is already less well controlled, known as prediabetes. In some patients with prediabetes, episodes of ravenous appetite, malaise, tiredness or difficulty concentrating, as well as tremors, are observed around 1-3 hours after eating (postprandial hypoglycaemia). These episodes are caused by excessive release of insulin, a messenger substance in the blood.
As patients experience a rapid improvement in their symptoms when they consume sugars such as those in sweet drinks or other foods containing carbohydrates, such episodes can promote weight gain and thus also a deterioration in sugar metabolism.
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the hypoglycaemic episodes observed after food intake can be favorably influenced either with a blood glucose-lowering drug or by inhibiting inflammation.
Contact
Justus Fischer
+41 61 328 44 97
+41 78 829 32 79
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Link: https: //clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05174507?term=hypo+prea&draw=2&rank=1 (English)
LUMEN1 - Leflunomide for the treatment of patients with MEN1 syndrome
Patients with the genetic MEN1 syndrome often suffer from hormone-producing tumors, particularly tumors of the parathyroid gland, pancreas and anterior pituitary gland. The study is investigating whether this disease can be effectively treated with leflunomide. Leflunomide is a well-proven drug that is used to treat rheumatic diseases.
There is evidence that MEN1-related tumors do not develop or develop poorly when treated with leflunomide. This could be related to the fact that leflunomide inhibits an enzyme that is important for MEN1 tumors.
Contact
Prof. Emanuel Christ
Head of Interdisciplinary Endocrinology
Phone (available 24 hours a day): +41 79 524 48 71
emanuel.christ@usb.ch
Jonas Hüllstrung
jonas.huellstrung@usb.ch
Phone +41 61 328 48 41
Link:https://www.kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/173560/studie/61886
OLFO-FOOD - Effect of fragrances on hunger and satiety as well as on various metabolic parameters at the test buffet
We are investigating whether acute olfactory therapy with two different fragrances has a positive influence on food selection and calorie intake at the test buffet in people with obesity. We also want to find out what influence the fragrances have on metabolic parameters. The overall aim of our study is to find out whether scent exposure could represent a possible new therapeutic option for people with overweight and obesity.
Participation requirements:
We are looking for people who are overweight (BMI ≥ 30) aged 18-60 years.
Link: https://kofam.ch/de/studienportal/nach-klinischen-versuchen-suchen/188640/studie/63647
Contact
Lisa Hurni
lisamaria.hurni@usb.ch
Phone +41 61 328 48 45
NEXT Study - Effect of glycerol trinitrate on human energy expenditure and brown adipose tissue thermogenesis
In this study, we are investigating whether the so-called brown fat tissue and energy metabolism can be increased in cold weather by treatment with a nitrate patch. Healthy, normal-weight people between the ages of 18 and 40 can take part.
Contact
Dr. Jaël Senn
jael.senn@usb.ch
Link: https: //clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05711199?term=NCT05711199&rank=1
NoPHIS study
An observational, No Protocol-specified Health-related Intervention Studyto assess and compare novel tolerance inducing approaches and to deepen understanding of the pathophysiology of immune cells in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)
We are looking for:
- Type 1 diabetics aged between 12-45 years with diabetes diagnosis for less than 3 years
- Who are otherwise healthy and have no history of serious illness and are not currently taking immunosuppressants
In addition:
Healthy control subjects between 12-45 years of age
Together with Novartis, our goal is to create disease profiles for type 1 diabetes in order to better understand the disease and research new therapeutic approaches.
To the flyer
Contact us
Justus Fischer
Doktorand PhD
Endokrinologie, Diabetologie & Metabolismus
PROPHECY - Role of prostaglandins in the prediction of low salt levels under thiazide therapy
This study is aimed at adult outpatients and hospitalized patients who are newly prescribed a thiazide or thiazide-like diuretic.
Thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics are diuretic drugs (so-called "water tablets"). A common side effect of thiazide diuretics is a lowered salt level in the blood. There is currently no known screening test to detect an increased risk of this side effect before the start of therapy. In our research project, we therefore want to find out whether the determination of the prostaglandin E2 concentration in the urine (tissue hormone) before the start of therapy can predict the occurrence of a low salt level in the blood.
Contact
Dr. Julia Beck
julia.beck@usb.ch
TOASST - Taper off cortisol treatment or stop it immediately?
This placebo-controlled double-blind study examines patients who have been treated with glucocorticoids (prednisone, dexamethasone or similar) for at least four weeks due to an inflammatory disease (e.g. of the lungs, intestines, connective and supporting tissue, or the hematopoietic system) or for other reasons. The underlying disease must have healed to such an extent that treatment can be discontinued.
The study tests the hypothesis that, from this point onwards, further tapering of the medication can be stopped without resulting in a worse course; instead, an unnecessary prolongation of the therapy with its side effects could be avoided.
Contact
Justus Fischer
Phone +41 78 829 32 79
+41 61 328 44 97
justus.fischer@usb.ch
Dr. Matthias Hepprich
41 76 277 90 54
matthias.hepprich@usb.ch
Link: https://www.kofam.ch/en/snctp-portal/searching-for-a-clinical-trial/study/38035
SNEEX - Effect of fragrances on energy consumption
The aim of the study is to determine whether olfactory therapy with certain fragrances has an effect on physical energy consumption in humans.
Contact
Lolita Matiashova
Phone +41 61 328 55 20
lolita.matiashova@usb.ch
Valerie Mettraux
Tel. +41 61 328 55 20
valerie.mettraux@usb.ch
The Hyper-PreDIL Study - Excessive insulin secretion in patients with prediabetes caused by interleukin-1β
Who are you looking for?
We are looking for 20 test subjects who suffer from obesity and are interested in a more precise clarification of the diabetes & cardiovascular risk as part of a study.
What are you looking for?
Participation in our Hyper-PreDIL study with the aim of describing the insulin release after eating in patients with prediabetes and obesity in more detail.
- Educational interview with determination of blood glucose level and additional examinations to decide whether you can participate in the study.
- Two visits 7-14 days apart, with intake of a drinking meal & subsequent 3-hour examination period with regular blood sampling
- Administration of the interleukin-1β receptor antagonist Anakinra (Kineret©) or placebo on the evening before the visit and on the day of the visit itself. The medication is injected under the skin of the participants.
Where?
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism; University Hospital Basel
How?
1x screening/education visit approx. 1.5 h
2x short visits on the evening before the study days approx. 15-30 min each
2x study visits with food tolerance test approx. 4.5 h
300 CHF compensation on completion of the entire study
Contact
Justus Fischer
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism
justus.fischer@usb.ch
https://www.kofam.ch/en/snctp-portal/searching-for-a-clinical-trial/186623/study/63568