AuthorisedTherapeutic exploratory (Phase II)Interventional

VIP-1 : Preclinical type 1 diabetes: the VIP-1 Study

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The VIP-1 clinical trial is testing a medicine called verapamil hydrochloride in people showing early, silent signs of the condition, known as stage 1 or stage 2 type 1 diabetes. Verapamil is already widely used for heart and blood pressure conditions, but research suggests it may also shield insulin-producing cells from stress and damage. In this study, volunteers will take either verapamil or a dummy pill (placebo) every day for 48 weeks. Doctors will monitor how well the pancreas works using standard blood sugar tests and continuous glucose monitors. The main goal is to find out if verapamil can preserve natural insulin production, potentially slowing down or delaying the onset of symptoms and the need for daily insulin injections.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

Sponsor

Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Paris

Enrolment target

Start

05 Aug 2026

People with stage 1 or stage 2 T1D between the ages of 7 and 45

What is this study about?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's defence system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas. These cells have an essential job: they make insulin, the hormone that controls your blood sugar. Before a person feels unwell or needs insulin injections, there is an early, preclinical stage where the immune attack has started, but enough beta cells remain to keep blood sugars fairly normal. Finding ways to protect these surviving cells is a major focus of modern medical research.

The VIP-1 study investigates whether an existing medicine called verapamil can help shield these delicate beta cells. Verapamil is a medication doctors have prescribed for decades to treat high blood pressure and heart rhythm issues. Laboratory tests and early clinical studies suggest that verapamil may reduce cell stress and stop beta cells from dying off, helping them survive the immune system's attack for longer.

In this Phase II trial, researchers are testing verapamil against a dummy pill, known as a placebo. By comparing the two groups, the study team can clearly see whether verapamil helps the body produce its own insulin for longer, keeps blood glucose levels more stable, and slows down the progression toward full clinical type 1 diabetes. If successful, this research could pave the way for preventative treatments that delay the need for lifelong insulin therapy.

Key takeaways

The VIP-1 trial tests whether a common blood pressure drug can delay or slow type 1 diabetes.
It is designed for people with early-stage (preclinical) type 1 diabetes who do not yet need daily insulin.
Participants take a daily tablet (either verapamil or a placebo) for 48 weeks.
Regular clinic visits include blood tests and wearing a temporary glucose sensor.
Joining is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is aimed at individuals who have early-stage type 1 diabetes (stage 1 or stage 2). In these stages, blood tests show that the immune attack against the pancreas has begun, but you do not yet have the full symptoms of diabetes or require standard daily insulin treatment.

While the main condition focuses on people between the ages of 7 and 45 who are identified as being at high risk, study centres often set specific adult age brackets for particular trial arms, such as 18 and older. Both men and women can take part.

You might not be eligible if you have already progressed to stage 3 type 1 diabetes (where regular insulin is required), if you take certain heart or blood pressure medications that could clash with verapamil, or if you have specific underlying heart conditions. The study team will run detailed screening tests to confirm your exact stage.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have been told I have stage 1 or stage 2 preclinical type 1 diabetes.
I do not currently take daily insulin injections for type 1 diabetes.
I am within the required age range (check with the clinic, typically 18+ for this trial site).
I am able and willing to attend clinic check-ups over a 48-week period.
I do not have a pre-existing low blood pressure or serious heart rhythm disorder.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the VIP-1 trial lasts for around 48 weeks (just under one year). You will be randomly assigned by a computer to take either a slow-release verapamil tablet or an identical dummy tablet (placebo) once daily. Neither you nor your study doctor will know which one you are receiving.

During the trial, you will need to attend regular clinic appointments, usually at the start, at 24 weeks, and at 48 weeks, with possible check-ins along the way. At these visits, you will have oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), where you drink a sugary liquid and have blood taken over a couple of hours to check your natural insulin levels. You will also wear a continuous glucose monitor (a small sensor on your skin) for short periods, including at 10 days, 24 weeks, and 48 weeks, to track your day-to-day blood sugar patterns.

Potential risks and benefits

You may not receive any direct medical benefit from taking part, especially if you are given the placebo tablet, but your participation could help scientists discover new ways to delay or prevent type 1 diabetes for future generations. Verapamil is generally well-tolerated, but because it is a blood pressure drug, potential side effects include mild dizziness, low blood pressure, headache, constipation, or ankle swelling. Blood tests and heart monitoring will be done to keep you safe. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the trial at any time without your regular NHS care being affected in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
France

Common questions

What is the difference between stage 1, 2, and 3 type 1 diabetes?

Stage 1 means diabetes-related antibodies are in the blood but blood sugars are normal. Stage 2 means blood sugars are slightly altered, but there are still no symptoms. Stage 3 is when symptoms appear and daily insulin injections are needed.

Will I definitely receive the real medicine?

No. This is a randomised trial, meaning a computer randomly decides whether you get verapamil or a harmless dummy pill (placebo) to ensure the results are fair.

Is verapamil a new, experimental drug?

No. Verapamil has been safely used for many years in the UK and worldwide to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, though using it to preserve insulin cells is a newer approach.

Does taking part hurt?

The trial involves routine blood tests and oral glucose tolerance tests, which involve small needle pricks for blood samples. Wearing a continuous glucose monitor is painless once applied.

Can I stop taking part if I change my mind?

Yes, absolutely. You can withdraw from the study at any point, for any reason, without it affecting your standard medical care or relationship with your doctor.