Pan African Clinical Trials Registry

South African Medical Research Council, South African Cochrane Centre
PO Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
Telephone: +27 21 938 0835 or +27 21 938 0967
Email: pactradmin@mrc.ac.za Website: pactr.samrc.ac.za
Trial no.: PACTR202607874630774 Date of Registration: 31/07/2026
Trial Status: Registered in accordance with WHO and ICMJE standards
TRIAL DESCRIPTION
Public title A master protocol to investigate efficacy and safety of elecoglipron in participants with obesity or overweight with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Official scientific title A Phase III Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Multicenter Master Protocol to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Elecoglipron in Participants with Obesity or Overweight with or without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Embold)
Brief summary describing the background and objectives of the trial Overweight and obesity (defined by BMI) are common, serious, and chronic conditions that raise the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease, certain cancers, abnormal lipids, sleep apnea, and early death. Losing weight reduces these risks. Current treatments include lifestyle changes, weight‑loss medicines, and bariatric surgery. Many effective medicines are GLP‑1 receptor agonists, but most approved options require injections, which can affect adherence. As oral GLP‑1 options emerge, it is important to assess whether a daily pill can improve patient preference, adherence, and long‑term outcomes such as sustained weight loss, cardiometabolic risk reduction, and health‑related quality of life. This study investigates elecoglipron, an oral GLP‑1 receptor agonist, for weight management. Elecoglipron is expected to offer efficacy and safety comparable to injectable GLP‑1 treatments while potentially improving access and treatment compliance due to oral administration. Further details on elecoglipron’s chemistry, pharmacology, efficacy, and safety are available in the Investigator’s Brochure
Type of trial RCT
Acronym (If the trial has an acronym then please provide) EMBOLD
Disease(s) or condition(s) being studied Nutritional, Metabolic, Endocrine
Sub-Disease(s) or condition(s) being studied
Purpose of the trial Treatment: Drugs
Anticipated trial start date 14/09/2026
Actual trial start date
Anticipated date of last follow up 31/07/2029
Actual Last follow-up date
Anticipated target sample size (number of participants) 180
Actual target sample size (number of participants)
Recruitment status Not yet recruiting
Publication URL
Secondary Ids Issuing authority/Trial register
DOH-27-072026-7292 SANCTR
D7260C00015 AstraZeneca AB
STUDY DESIGN
Intervention assignment Allocation to intervention If randomised, describe how the allocation sequence was generated Describe how the allocation sequence/code was concealed from the person allocating the participants to the intervention arms Masking If masking / blinding was used
Parallel: different groups receive different interventions at same time during study Randomised Simple randomization using a randomization table created by a computer software program Central randomisation by phone/fax Masking/blinding used Care giver/Provider,Participants
INTERVENTIONS
Intervention type Intervention name Dose Duration Intervention description Group size Nature of control
Experimental Group Elecoglipron 45mg 72 weeks Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive one of the following once daily oral treatments for 72 weeks (including a titration period of up to 20 weeks): • Elecoglipron 45 mg • Elecoglipron 65 mg • Placebo 70
Experimental Group Elecoglipron 65mg 72 weeks Study Arms and Duration: Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive one of the following once daily oral treatments for 72 weeks (including a titration period of up to 20 weeks): • Elecoglipron 45 mg • Elecoglipron 65 mg • Placebo 70
Control Group Placebo 72 weeks Study Arms and Duration: Participants will be randomly assigned 1:1:1 to receive one of the following once daily oral treatments for 72 weeks (including a titration period of up to 20 weeks): • Elecoglipron 45 mg • Elecoglipron 65 mg • Placebo 40 Placebo
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
List inclusion criteria List exclusion criteria Age Category Minimum age Maximum age Gender
Participants are eligible to be included in the study only if all the following criteria apply: Age 1 Participant must be of the legal age of consent and at least 18 years of age at the time of signing informed consent. Type of Participant and Disease Characteristics Study 1 2 At the screening visit: (a) BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or (b) 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2 (participants with 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 27 kg/m2 must also have a waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5) with at least one of the following weight-related comorbidities (treated or untreated): (i) Hypertension (ii) Prediabetes (Note: For this study, the diagnosis of prediabetes should be supported by a historical laboratory value not older than 180 days, fitting the definition of prediabetes according to ADA guidelines [ADA Professional Practice Committee 2025a]) (iii) Dyslipidemia (iv) Cardiovascular disease (v) Obstructive sleep apnea. Study 2 2 At the screening visit, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (participants with 25 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 27 kg/m2 must also have a waist-to-height ratio ≥ 0.5) and T2DM defined as below: (a) Established diagnosis of T2DM as per ADA or local diagnostic standards. T2DM may be treated with diet/exercise alone or any glucose-lowering medications except GLP-1 RA containing medications within 90 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period. OR (b) Without established diagnosis of T2DM and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at the screening visit confirmed by post screening retesting prior to randomization. Participants with T2DM detected at screening and a HbA1c ≥ 8.5% (69 mmol/mol) or overt signs/symptoms of hyperglycemia must be rescreened after a 90-day period, during which they should receive standard of care glucose management except GLP-1 RA containing medications. Participants with HbA1c < 8.5% (69 mmol/mol) may proceed with randomization, provided all other eligibility criteria are met. Note: Participant’s assignment to Study 1 or Study 2 based on T2DM-related inclusion criteria is depicted in Figure Participants are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply: Diabetes Study 1 1 Any of the following medical history or laboratory values: (a) Established diagnosis of T1DM or T2DM. History of gestational diabetes is not an exclusion criterion per se. (b) HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) at the screening visit (one repeat test allowed). Study 2 1 Any of the following medical history, laboratory values, or complications related to diabetes: (a) T1DM, secondary forms of diabetes (including congenital forms), or history of ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma within 180 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period. (b) HbA1c ≥ 10% (86 mmol/mol) at the screening visit (one repeat test allowed). (c) Currently receiving, or anticipated to receive, therapeutic intervention for diabetic retinopathy and/or macular edema. Fundus photography or dilated fundoscopic exam will be performed as per the SoA (Section 1.3) by an ophthalmologist/optometrist or according to local practice to confirm eligibility. (d) Have had more than one episode of severe hypoglycemia, as defined by the occurrence of neuroglycopenic symptoms requiring the assistance of another person for recovery, within 180 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period, or has a history of hypoglycemia unawareness or poor recognition of hypoglycemic symptoms as per Investigator judgment. Weight 2 Any of the following that are related to medical reasons or planned/previous changes in weight (see further details in Section 5.3.5 and Appendix I): (a) Obesity induced by other endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome or monogenic or syndromic obesity such as Prader-Willi syndrome. (b) Received any medication for weight loss, including GLP-1 RAs, within 90 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period. (c) Previous or planned (within study period) bariatric surgery or fitting of a weight loss device (eg, gastric balloon or duodenal barrier). (d) Planned to start a targeted weight loss program during the study other than dietary and lifestyle considerations outlined in the protocol. (e) Initiated therapy with, or altered the dosage of, medications associated with significant weight gain within 365 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period (see Section 6.9.2.1 for details). Gastrointestinal/Liver 3 Known clinically significant condition affecting the upper GI tract that may affect gastric emptying, drug absorption, or the interpretation of safety and tolerability data (eg, gastroparesis or gastric outlet obstruction, severe disease, or surgery). 4 Participants with history of any of the below conditions: (a) Cirrhosis or hepatic decompensation (including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding) (b) Liver transplant or current placement on a liver transplant list (c) Clinically significant liver disease of any etiology as judged by the Investigator, including but not limited to alcoholic steatohepatitis, drug-induced, viral, or autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and Wilson’s disease Exceptions include: participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease or metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis. 5 Any of the following results at the screening visit: (a) ALT ≥ 3 × ULN (b) AST ≥ 3 × ULN (c) ALP ≥ 1.5 × ULN (d) TBIL ≥ 1.5 × ULN (unless known history of Gilbert’s syndrome, where up to 3 mg/dL [51 μmol/L] is acceptable if DBIL is < ULN). 6 Participants with active hepatitis B or C disease defined as (a) Positive for HBcAb and with positive/detectable HBV DNA and/or positive HBsAg. (b) Positive for anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA positive. 7 Any positive results for serum HIV antibody. 8 History of acute (unless due to previously resolved gallstone pancreatitis and post cholecystectomy) or chronic pancreatitis. Cardiovascular/Renal 9 Cardiac arrhythmia or ECG morphology abnormalities, as considered by the Investigator, that may interfere with interpretation of QTc interval, including ST wave morphology. (a) Second or third degree atrial ventricular block or sinus node dysfunction with clinically significant pause, not treated with pacemaker. (b) Ventricular arrhythmia requiring treatment. (c) Atrial fibrillation/flutter with confirmed ventricular rate > 100 bpm at rest. (d) QT interval corrected (ECG interval measured from the onset of the QRS complex to the end of the T wave) using Fridericia’s formula QTcF > 450 msec or a family history of congenital long QT syndrome. 10 Any of the following conditions within 90 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period: acute MI, unstable angina, transient ischemic attack or stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention, or a coronary artery bypass graft. 11 Severe congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association Class IV). 12 Impaired renal function defined as eGFR < 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 (GFR estimated according to 2021 CKD-EPI calculation, using creatinine) at the screening visit. Mental Health 13 History of significant active or unstable major depressive disorder or other severe psychiatric disorder (eg, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation or behavior, or other serious mood or anxiety disorder) within the last 2 years. Note: Participants with major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder whose disease state is considered stable and expected to remain stable throughout the course of the study, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be considered for inclusion if they are not on excluded medications. 14 Any lifetime history of suicide attempt. Endocrine 15 Uncontrolled thyroid disease, defined as TSH > 6.0 mIU/L or < 0.4 mIU/L at the screening visit. 16 History/family history (first degree biologic relatives) of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 or basal calcitonin level of ≥ 35 ng/L or pg/mL at the screening visit. Malignancy 17 History of active malignancy within 5 years prior to the screening visit. Exceptions include: adequately treated basal and squamous cell skin cancers, as well as in situ cancer (eg, cervical cancer, or in situ or Grade 1 [for example, Gleason 6 or lower] prostate cancer). Other 18 Any hematological condition that may interfere with HbA1c measurement (eg, hemoglobinopathy, hemolytic anemia, history of red blood cell transfusion within 90 days prior to the screening visit). 19 Known or suspected history of drug abuse, or history of alcohol abuse or excessive intake of alcohol, likely to impact participant safety or compliance with study procedures as judged by the Investigator. 20 Major surgery planned to take place during the study period, identified at the screening visit or any point prior to randomization at Visit 2 (excluding minor surgical procedures). Sex and Contraceptive Barrier Requirements 21 Lactating, breastfeeding or pregnant females or females who intend to become pregnant or begin breastfeeding anytime from initiation of screening until 5 days following the last dose of study intervention. Prior/Concomitant Therapy 22 Chronic use (> 14 consecutive days) of medications that can lead to alterations in gastric motility or emptying within 90 days prior to the screening visit or during the screening period. 23 Concomitant use of strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, or of drugs with a narrow therapeutic index that are sensitive substrates of CYP3A4, BCRP, P-gp, or CYP2C8. For specific details and exceptions on restricted and prohibited concomitant medications, see Section 6.9.2. 24 Currently on a lower dose of statin medication due to a history of statin intolerance to high-intensity dosing (eg, atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg, rosuvastatin 20 or 40 mg). 25 History of allergy/hypersensitivity or previous severe GI intolerance, as judged by the Investigator, to GLP-1 RA or excipients. Study-related 26 History of, or any existing condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would interfere with the evaluation of the study intervention, put the participant at risk, influence the participant’s ability to participate, or affect the interpretation of the results of the study. 27 Judgment by the Investigator that the participant should not participate in the study if the participant is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions, and requirements. 28 Any participant who has received another study intervention as part of a clinical study within 30 days or 5 half-lives of the drug (whichever is longer) prior to the screening visit or during the screening period. 29 Concurrent participation in another interventional study of any kind or previous randomization in the present study. 30 Any AstraZeneca or study site employee directly involved with the planning and/or conduct of the study. 31 A study within this master protocol that the participant is eligible for is closed to randomization or a prespecified cap has been reached in the IRT system. Adult: 18 Year(s)-44 Year(s) 18 Year(s) 105 Year(s) Both
ETHICS APPROVAL
Has the study received appropriate ethics committee approval Date the study will be submitted for approval Date of approval Name of the ethics committee
Yes 09/06/2026 SAHPRA
Ethics Committee Address
Street address City Postal code Country
Building A, Loftus Park 2nd Floor, Kirkness Street, Arcadia Pretoria 0083 South Africa
Has the study received appropriate ethics committee approval Date the study will be submitted for approval Date of approval Name of the ethics committee
Yes 01/07/2026 Pharma Ethics Independent Research Ethics Committee
Ethics Committee Address
Street address City Postal code Country
123 Amkor Road, Lyttleton Manor, Centurion Pretoria 0157 South Africa
OUTCOMES
Type of outcome Outcome Timepoint(s) at which outcome measured
Primary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on percent body weight loss Baseline to Week 72 in body weight
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on absolute body weight loss Baseline to Week 72 in body weight
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on Total body weight loss of at least 5%, 10%, and 15% Baseline to Week 72 in body weight
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on percent body weight loss in participants with BMI = 27 kg/m2 at baseline Baseline to Week 72 in body weight
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on percent body weight loss in the modified JASSO a subpopulation Baseline to Week 72 in body weight
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on waist circumference reduction Baseline to Week 72 in waist circumference
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on glycemic control Baseline to Week 72 in HbA1c
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on achieving normoglycemia in participants with HbA1c = 5.7% (39 mmol/mol) at baseline Normoglycemia at Week 72
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on systolic blood pressure reduction Baseline to Week 72 in SBP
Secondary Outcome To evaluate the effect of elecoglipron 45 mg and 65 mg compared with placebo on physical function improvement in participants with impairment of physical function at baseline Baseline to Week 72 in SF-36v2 Acute Physical Functioning score
RECRUITMENT CENTRES
Name of recruitment centre Street address City Postal code Country
Dr A Jacovides and Partners Inc Midrand Medical Centre Shop 1 Corner Market Street and Church Street Johannesburg 1685 South Africa
TREAD Research Room 41, 8th Floor Department of Cardiology, Tygerberg Hospital, Francie van Zijl Avenue, Parow Cape Town 7500 South Africa
Newtown Clinical Research Centre Suite 3, Newgate Centre,104 Jeppe Street, Newtown Johannesburg 2113 South Africa
IATROS International 20 Captain Proctor Street, Brandwag Bloemfontein 9301 South Africa
Dr Nseem Moosa Nirvana Drive, Shop 6, Ext 8, Freeway Plaza, Lenasia Johannesburg 1827 South Africa
Aliwal Shoal Medical 14 Bisset Street, Umkomaas Durban 4170 South Africa
Synopsis Research Wilderness Road, 3rd Floor, Suite 303, Library Square, Claremont Cape Town 7708 South Africa
Chatsmed Medical Centre Suite 215, 80 Woodhurst Drive, Woodhurst, Chatsworth Durban 4902 South Africa
Dr Vawda Rooms 343 Randles Road, Sydenham Durban 4091 South Africa
Durban International Clinical Research Site Enhancing Care Foundation, Ward D1, Wentworth Hospital Durban 4052 South Africa
Tiervlei Trial Centre Tygervalley Health Care Centre, 7th Floor, 43 Old Oak Road, Bellville Cape Town 7530 South Africa
Ashmed Medical Centre 21 Church Street, Athlone Cape Town 7764 Cape Town 7764 South Africa
FUNDING SOURCES
Name of source Street address City Postal code Country
AstraZeneca AB s-151 85 Sodertalje Sweden
SPONSORS
Sponsor level Name Street address City Postal code Country Nature of sponsor
Primary Sponsor AstraZeneca AB s-151 85 Sodertalje Sweden Commercial Sector/Industry
COLLABORATORS
Name Street address City Postal code Country
CONTACT PEOPLE
Role Name Email Phone Street address
Principal Investigator Aslam Amod amod.aslam@gmail.com 0312075500 Suite 215, Chatsmed Medical Centre, 80 Woodhurst Drive, Woodhurst
City Postal code Country Position/Affiliation
Durban 4092 South Africa National Principal Investigator
Role Name Email Phone Street address
Public Enquiries Fatima Cassim fatima.cassim@astrazeneca.com 0117976154 Building 2 Northdowns Office Park, 17 Georgian Crescent West, Bryanston
City Postal code Country Position/Affiliation
Johannesburg 2191 South Africa Country Head
Role Name Email Phone Street address
Scientific Enquiries Fatima Cassim fatima.cassim@astrazeneca.com 0117976154 Building 2 Northdowns Office Park, 17 Georgian Crescent West, Bryanston
City Postal code Country Position/Affiliation
Johannesburg 2191 South Africa Country Head
REPORTING
Share IPD Description Additional Document Types Sharing Time Frame Key Access Criteria
Yes The CSP has been subject to a peer review according to AstraZeneca Standard procedures. The CSP is publicly registered and the results are disclosed and/or published according to the AstraZeneca Global Policy on Bioethics and in compliance with prevailing laws and regulations. The clinical trial data at the individual level will be made available to researchers who were not part of the original study team within 12 months of study completion. Clinical Study Report,Informed Consent Form,Statistical Analysis Plan,Study Protocol This will be done within 12 months of the study completion date. TBC
URL Results Available Results Summary Result Posting Date First Journal Publication Date
No
Result Upload 1: Result Upload 2: Result Upload 3: Result Upload 4: Result Upload 5:
Result URL Hyperlinks Link To Protocol
Result URL Hyperlinks
Changes to trial information