Overview of clinical trials

Bread is a major source of carbohydrates in the Norwegian diet, but its nutritional quality varies. This study investigates the glycemic effects of bread made from different grains (wheat, oats, barley, rye). Healthy adults will consume bread containing 50 g of carbohydrates or an equivalent amount of glucose, following guidelines for glycemic index research (Brouns 2005). Blood sugar and insulin responses will be measured and compared to wheat bread and glucose as reference points. Blood samples are taken at baseline and at intervals up to 120 minutes after the meal. Participants will also rate their satiety using a visual analogue scale, and gut hormones will be measured as secondary outcomes. Calculations will include Cmax, Tmax, and AUC for glucose and glycemic index. The findings may have important implications for dietary recommendations.

Exceptionally long survival in patients with incurable cancer may result from spontaneous disease regression or an extraordinary response to standard treatment. The main goal of this study is to understand the reasons behind such long-term survival in individual cancer patients. Diagnostic tissue samples will be analyzed for genetic, epigenetic, and immunological characteristics. Data from pathology, imaging (CT/MRI/PET), and medical records will be collected to build a comprehensive molecular and clinical database of 700 long-term cancer survivors across Europe. This database will be used to identify survival markers and potential new treatment targets. A sub-study will explore quality of life in these patients, aiming to identify contributing factors such as environmental, social, or economic influences.

This study aims to explore the potential effects of BoNTA injections on tinnitus in patients who also suffer from bruxism and/or jaw muscle pain. The study is conducted at Sørlandsklinikken.

AstraZeneca’s LIVER-R study investigates how patients with liver and bile duct cancer respond to durvalumab treatment in routine clinical settings. The study collects data from multiple countries, including Norway, and follows patients over time to assess survival, side effects, and treatment patterns.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate average sunlight tolerance in individuals with EPP or XLP after six months of treatment, assess changes in whole-blood levels of metal-free protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), and examine safety and tolerability.

This study aims to explore the potential effects of BoNTA injections on tinnitus in patients who also suffer from bruxism and/or jaw muscle pain. The study is conducted at Sørlandsklinikken.

This study evaluates the accuracy and safety of Sencell, a new implantable CGM sensor that measures glucose based on osmotic pressure and uses wireless data and energy transfer. Twelve adults with type 1 diabetes will participate at two sites in Norway and Germany. Sencell will be compared to Nova Primary™ (reference method) and Dexcom G7. The primary objective is to assess accuracy (MARD < 20%) and user tolerance over a minimum of 30 days. The study includes three intensive sampling days with up to 120 data points per participant, involving glucose manipulation (hypo-/hyperglycemia) or observation. If results are satisfactory, the study may be extended to 90 days. Data will be analyzed using regression, Consensus Error Grid, and Time in Range. The study will support further development and potential commercialization of the technology, while also assessing technical performance in realistic clinical settings.

PREPAIRD

Personalized follow-up for early diagnosis and prevention of pancreatic cancer in individuals with hereditary increased risk.

This project is part of an EU-funded initiative focused on young women's knowledge of diet and nutrition. The study aims to assess dietary knowledge and micronutrient status among women aged 18–24 in Norway. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving education and information on diet and nutrition (intervention group), and one without (control group). The study will evaluate whether education improves nutritional knowledge and micronutrient status. The project will contribute valuable insights into how awareness and understanding of nutrition can be improved to prevent deficiencies in the population.

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have become an increasing environmental concern. In recent years, microplastics have been detected in food and beverages, but health effects remain largely unknown. This study aims to map microplastic intake among pregnant women using questionnaires on seafood consumption (a presumed major source), food packaging, and use of plastic kitchenware. Stool samples will be collected and analyzed using a method developed by the research team. To estimate fetal exposure, placenta and umbilical cord blood will be collected and analyzed. The study will improve understanding of microplastic intake during pregnancy in Norway and its potential impact on fetal health.

Sub-study within the national LIPØDEM study. More information about the national study is available [here].

Dialogue-based early detection – evaluation of a new approach for identifying preschool children with concerning behavioral or emotional development.

A study investigating the effect of a new drug in individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). More information and registration details are available [here].

This study examines the effect of two different diets on remission of type 2 diabetes. More information and registration details are available [here].

Parent guidance for families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. You can read more and register your interest [here].

Cardiovascular Studies

• FATCOR Follow-up Study 
  The aim of this project is to investigate the prevalence of signs of heart disease in individuals with overweight and obesity. You can read more about the first phase of the study here.
   
• IDA Study
  Personalized blood pressure treatment. See website.
   
• HUSK3
  The Health Survey in Hordaland. See website here.
   
• JOINTHEART
  Study on rheumatoid arthritis and heart health.

Lung Health

• BORALIS
  This study investigates whether treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease) can influence lung health. Read more about the project and how to participate here.
   
• RHINESA 4G
  A generational study on lung health: "Respiratory Health In Northern Europe, Spain and Australia". See website.
   
• COVID-19 RHINESA
  Susceptibility to COVID-19 and 3G follow-up.
   
• EPHOR
  The occupational exposome in the Bergen Lung Health Study collects detailed information on various exposures during a typical workweek. The aim is to study short-term exposures—both at work and during leisure—and their impact on lung function and respiratory health.
   
• ECRHS 4
  The European Community Respiratory Health Study. The fourth round of this lung health study is currently underway in Bergen, and the study began more than 30 years ago. See website for more information.

Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes

• The Milk Study
  A growing dietary trend involves switching from cow’s milk to plant-based milk alternatives, driven by beliefs about health benefits and sustainability. This trend is especially popular among young women, a group for whom iodine status is a concern both globally and in Norway. Some plant-based alternatives are fortified with iodine, but the bioavailability and impact on iodine status remain unclear. While the effects of cow’s milk on blood lipids are well studied, there is a lack of research on how oat milk affects blood lipid levels.
   
• The Macroalgae Study
  This study aims to increase knowledge about the iodine and heavy metal content in seaweed products. Read more at this link: We know too little about seaweed | Institute of Marine Research (hi.no)
   
• The Bread Study
  Pilot study on the effect of fiber-rich bread on postprandial glucose levels.
   
• PANGUT
  Case study on incretin effect.
   
• CARBHEALTH – Gastric Emptying
  Study on the effect of fiber-rich bread on gastric emptying and postprandial glucose levels.
   
• The FASTE Study
  Investigates metabolic changes over 24 hours following a meal.
   
• The Iodine Study
  Validation of the iodine calculator. See more information here.
   
• CARBFUNC
  Dietary study. See information here.
   
• CARBHEALTH
  Study on the effect of fiber-rich bread on gastric emptying and postprandial glucose levels. See more information here.

Dietary Supplements

• CPH Study
  The main objective of this study is to examine changes in waist circumference after 12 weeks of supplementation with a chicken protein hydrolysate (CPH) compared to placebo in individuals with abdominal obesity.
   
• FHF Study
  This study aims to investigate changes in cardiovascular index (triacylglycerol/HDL cholesterol × waist/hip ratio) after 12 weeks of supplementation with marine protein hydrolysate (MPH) in healthy adults.
   
• PSORAX35Study on the effect of herring roe on psoriasis.

Drug Trials

• Mitsubishi MT-7117-G01A study investigating the effect of a new drug in individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).

Pandemic

• COVID-19 Infection
  Clinical and immunological response to COVID-19 infection. 
   
• Panoramic Norway
  Paxlovid is an approved medication in Norway for treating acute COVID-19 in patients at increased risk of severe illness and death. It has been shown to reduce the risk of death when administered within five days of diagnosis. Treatment duration is five days. This study is a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial with the primary endpoint being the occurrence of persistent COVID symptoms after 3 and 6 months. Secondary endpoints include severity of acute illness and mortality. Adults aged 18 to 65 with mild to moderate disease and no contraindications to Paxlovid will be included. A subgroup will undergo detailed follow-up with MRI, neurocognitive testing, and microbiological and immunological assessments. The overall goal is to determine whether Paxlovid protects against long-term symptoms following COVID-19. 

Other

• RE:STATE
  A study investigating factors that may affect the reliability of neuroimaging data. Read more about the research group here.
   
• PREDPOR
  Predictors of disease activity and long-term complications in acute intermittent porphyria. Read more here.