At NYU Langone’s Division of Bariatric Surgery, our researchers are leading the way in the fight against metabolic diseases, not only through innovative surgical techniques, but also through cutting-edge research. We are dedicated to advancing the field, pushing the boundaries of knowledge, and offering patients the most effective and safest treatment options.

Whether you are a patient seeking information, a healthcare professional looking for the latest research findings, or a researcher interested in collaboration, you are welcome to contact us. Please reach out to Akash Gujral, research project manager, at 212-263-2174 or Akash.Gujral@NYULangone.org.

Ongoing Clinical Trials

We believe that research is the cornerstone of progress, and we are committed to using our findings to improve the lives of patients who have metabolic diseases. Our dedication to scientific exploration ensures that NYU Langone remains at the forefront of bariatric surgery, offering patients the best chance for success. Following are our division’s ongoing clinical trials.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Effect of Tirzepatide on the Reduction of Morbidity and Mortality in Adults with Obesity

The study is determining whether tirzepatide, a glucagon-like peptide-1, is better than placebo in reducing obesity-related disease and death in adults who have obesity.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide Once Weekly in Participants Without Type 2 Diabetes Who Have Obesity or Are Overweight with Weight-Related Comorbidities: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study tests the investigational drug tirzepatide, to discover how well it works to help people with excess weight or obesity with weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

Knee Osteoarthritis Pre- and Post-Bariatric Surgery and Medical Weight Loss Biomarker Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate knee osteoarthritis and its associated pain in patients with obesity scheduled to have bariatric surgery or a monitored weight loss program.

Principal investigator: Jonathan Samuels, MD

Semaglutide Obesity Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether semaglutide may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events—stroke, heart attack, and other conditions that damage the heart—in patients with excess weight or obesity who have prior cardiovascular disease.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

SWIFT Trial: Surgical Weight Loss to Improve Functional Status Trajectories Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study is to determine whether weight-loss surgery before total knee arthroplasty surgery reduces risk and improves long-term outcomes.

Principal investigator: Jonathan Samuels, MD

Upcoming Clinical Trials

Our researchers are also planning the following upcoming clinical trials.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Investigate the Effect of Lepodisiran on the Reduction of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Adults with Elevated Lipoprotein(a) who have Established Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease or Are at Risk for a First Cardiovascular Event—ACCLAIM-Lp(a)

This study will investigate the effect of lepodisiran on the reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with elevated lipoprotein (a) and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or who are at risk for a first cardiovascular event.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Event-Driven Study to Investigate the Effect of Retatrutide on the Incidence of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and the Decline in Kidney Function in Participants with Body Mass Index =27 kg/m² and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and/or Chronic Kidney Disease

This trial will assess retatrutide and the risk reduction of major cardiovascular adverse events that result in hospitalization or urgent visits and to assess the estimated glomerular filtration rate decline in participants with body mass index (BMI) =27 kg/m² and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with or without chronic kidney disease.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

A Research Study of a New Medicine NNC0519-0130 in Healthy People, People With High Body Weight and People With Type 2 Diabetes

The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential of NNC0519-0130 to reduce body weight in participants with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities.

Principal investigator: Holly F. Lofton, MD

Efficacy Trial for Boehringer Laboratories ViSiGi LUX Used During Gastric Procedures

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of the ViSiGi Lux, a tube equipped with a light that is passed through the mouth and into the stomach to empty contents or to guide surgeons during a bariatric procedure. The ViSiGi Lux was developed by Boehringer Laboratories, the sponsor of this study.

Principal investigator: Megan Jenkins, MD

Other Division Research

In addition to the trials above, our division faculty conduct and participate in studies such as the following:

• a long-term study investigating the effects of gastric banding on adolescents
• quality improvement studies that seek to enhance surgical outcomes and patient quality of life
• a retrospective chart review study investigating symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease after bariatric surgery

As one of the oldest programs in the nation, we provide data to the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program.

Bariatric Surgery Faculty Publications

Faculty in NYU Langone’s Division of Bariatric Surgery publish in the field’s most respected peer-reviewed publications.