Who is eligible for clinical trial NCT05727761?

Participants must meet protocol criteria for Oral Leukoplakia. Confirm exact inclusion and exclusion requirements with the study coordinator.

Does clinical trial NCT05727761 provide travel or cost reimbursement?

Check with the site coordinator at the participating facility for travel and lodging stipend availability, and for which routine-care costs are covered.

🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-07-28

Pioglitazone-Metformin Combination Treatment for High Risk Oral Preneoplasia (NCT05727761)

🟢 Recruiting Phase2 💊 Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: University of Minnesota

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This is a Phase IIa oral cavity leukoplakia study of pioglitazone 15mg and metformin 500mg BID for 12 weeks. The primary objective is to determine the clinical and histologic changes of leukoplakia from baseline following a 12 week course of twice daily pioglitazone-metformin. Outcomes are defined as are a reduction of the leukoplakia grade in \> 50% of treated participants and a partial or complete clinical response defined as 50% or greater reduction in the sum of measured targeted lesions. In addition, participants who show clinical and histologic improvement should correlate with a significant reduction of Ki-67 proliferative indices in lesions of these participants as compared to baseline.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (8 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (8 items).

Location: University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Biopsy proven hyperplasia in high risk anatomic areas (floor of mouth, mobile tongue, oropharynx). Hyperplasia or dysplasia of any grade in any erythroplakia lesion. Mild, moderate or severe dysplasia within the lesion at any site of the oral cavity or oropharynx.
Must have objective evidence of oral leukoplakia that is measurable in 2 dimensions per RECIST. The lesion(s) may be clinically characterized by leukoplakia, erythroplakia, erythro/leukoplakia. Lesions may be located in the oral cavity or oropharynx. However, the index lesion must be located in an anatomic site accessible by punch biopsy and be a minimum of 4mm x 8 mm to permit a 4mm punch biopsy.
Age 18 years or older at the time of consent.
Evidence of adequate organ function within 14 days prior to Day 1
Able to comply with treatment (i.e. able to swallow a tablet whole, not crushed) and complete a 12 week course of twice daily medication as required by this study in the opinion of the treating investigator.
Body mass index (BMI) is ≥ 18.5.
Sexually active persons of child-bearing potential agrees to use adequate contraception (a hormonal method that has been in continual use for a minimum of 3 months prior to the study screening visit, a barrier method, or abstinence) for the duration of study participation.
Provides voluntary written consent prior to the performance of any research related activity.

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

Exclusion Criteria:
Pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant.
A concurrent diagnosis of Type I or Type II diabetes that is being treated with insulin or an antidiabetic agent. Participants whose Type II diabetes is controlled with diet and/or exercise alone are eligible provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Participant is taking another investigational agent (not approved by the FDA for any indication).
A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to ACTOplus Met, pioglitazone or metformin.
Any contraindication to biopsy - this study requires a 4 mm punch biopsy of a lesion and of nearby normal tissue prior to treatment and at the end of the 12 week treatment period.
History of bladder cancer, including in situ bladder cancer.
History of invasive cancer (other than non-melanoma skin cancer or cervical cancer in situ) active within 18 months prior to the baseline study visit. (Participants who have a history of cancer that was curatively treated without evidence of recurrence in the 18 months prior to the baseline study visit are considered eligible).

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota
HealthPartners — Saint Paul, Minnesota

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗