HMB (beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate) trials recruiting now
12 registrations that name HMB as a study arm and are recruiting or about to, as ClinicalTrials.gov listed them on Oct 20, 2026. Read each listing for its full criteria and current status.
Kymata never assesses eligibility. Each listing names its own criteria; only its study team can say whether someone can join. Trial doses are given under the trial's monitoring and are not a schedule for anyone outside it.
Filter 12 registrations
Status
Phase
4US sites across 4 states
1
2 to 4
5 to 19
20 or more
All 12 registrations
RecruitingNCT04858412
Study of HMB-enriched Amino Acid Supplementation in Patients With Alcoholic Liver Disease and COVID-19
No phase
The Cleveland Clinic
About 48 people
Started Apr 1, 2021
In plain words A study of HMB in people 21 and older, run by The Cleveland Clinic. It plans to enroll about 48 people at 1 US site.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 21 and older. Conditions: Alcoholic Liver Disease; COVID 19 Pneumonia.
Child Pugh score 5-8, serum creatinine <3, Model for End Stage Liver Disease score (MELD) <25
Diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia as defined by the WHO criteria: confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR, evidence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on chest radiograph (CXR) or computed tomography (CT) and SpO2 <93% or on oxygen supplement
Age of 21 years or older
2 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
Patients with COVID-19 and comorbidities including alcohol associated liver disease (ALD) are at risk for severe illness and abrupt or sudden clinical deterioration with ventilatory failure. â-hydroxy â-methyl butyrate (HMB), a non-nitrogenous leucine metabolite with anabolic properties, increases muscle mass and contractile function and enhances immune function. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
1 US site in 1 state.
RecruitingNCT05525039
RCT of Combination Effect of Vibration Treatment and HMB Supplementation on Myosteatosis and NMJ Degeneration
No phase
Chinese University of Hong Kong
About 200 people
Started Jan 12, 2023
In plain words A study of HMB in people 60 and older, run by Chinese University of Hong Kong. It plans to enroll about 200 people at 3 sites, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 60 and older. Conditions: Sarcopenia; Connective Tissue Diseases in Old Age; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities.
Subjects aged 60 years or above
Subjects failed in AWGS algorithm
skeletal muscle mass by BIA (male at <7.0 kg/m\^2, female at <5.7 kg/m\^2), and
handgrip strength (male at <28 kg, female at <18kg), and/or
1 more inclusion criterion and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
Low-magnitude High-frequency Vibration; β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplement; Protein supplement
Registered summary
The investigators' pre-clinical study confirms the positive effects of combined treatment (VT + HMB) on reducing fat-to-lean tissue ratio, intramuscular fat infiltration and increasing muscle strength in sarcopenia animal model. The results showed that fat mass could be decreased by \~32%, while histology Oil Red O staining indicated a decrease of fat by almost 60%; in contrast, lean muscle mass increased by \~14%. On muscle strength, combined treatment increased twitch force, tetanic force and grip strength by \~30-66%. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Hong Kong (3).
RecruitingNCT07419633
This Study Investigates β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) and 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), When Administered Either Individually or in Combination Contributes to an Increased Quality of Health, Specifically Improving Muscular Strength and Cognitive Functioning in Adults Over the Age of 65.
No phase
McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
About 120 people
Started Mar 6, 2026
In plain words A study of HMB in people 65 and older, run by McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre. It plans to enroll about 120 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 65 and older; healthy volunteers accepted. Conditions: Muscle; Cognitive Functioning; Geriatric; Ageing and Geriatric Health; Ageing.
English or French speaking
Females not of childbearing potential
Willing to maintain current lifestyle and dietary habits, including level of physical activity, allowed medication/supplements habits for the duration of the study
The exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate; 2-hydroxybenzylamine; β-Hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and 2-hydroxybenzylamine; Placebo
Registered summary
In this study, participants will be assigned to receive HMB, 2-HOBA, a combination of both, or a comparison supplement for a set period of time. During the study, participants will attend scheduled visits where researchers will assess muscle strength, physical function, and overall health. Blood samples may be collected to measure markers related to metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Study staff will also monitor safety and any side effects throughout the study.
Where, as registered
No US site; Canada (1).
RecruitingNCT07534852
NIMA-Colon Cancer Study
No phase
Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación de Málaga en Biomedicina y Salud
About 120 people
Started Jul 1, 2025
In plain words A study of HMB in people 18 to 75, run by Fundación Pública Andaluza para la Investigación de Málaga en Biomedicina y Salud. It plans to enroll about 120 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 to 75. Conditions: Colon Cancer.
Adults aged 18 to 75 years.
Male and female participants.
Diagnosis of colon cancer at localized or locally advanced stages (TNM stages I-III).
Patients scheduled for primary surgical treatment.
The exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
Standard hypercaloric-hyperproteic nutritional supplementation; HMB-enriched hypercaloric-hyperproteic nutritional supplementation with vitamin D and calcium; Supervised exercise program; General physical activity recommendations
Registered summary
The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of nutritional supplementation and physical activity interventions on recovery, muscle strength, nutritional status, inflammation, and metabolic health in adults with colon cancer undergoing surgery. Patients with colon cancer frequently experience loss of muscle mass, reduced physical function, and nutritional deterioration both before and after surgery, which may adversely affect recovery and quality of life. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Spain (1).
RecruitingNCT07597850
TCM Formula vs. HMB in Pre-Frail Elders: Muscle Strength and Bone Status
Phase 2
Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH)
About 90 people
Started Apr 2, 2026
In plain words A Phase 2 study of HMB in people 65 and older, run by Tri-Service General Hospital (TSGH). It plans to enroll about 90 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 65 and older. Conditions: Pre-Frailty; Sarcopenia; Muscle Atrophy or Weakness; Osteoporosis; Aging.
Male or female participants aged 65 years or older at the time of screening.
Body Mass Index less than 30 kilograms per square meter.
Identified as pre-frail according to the Fried frailty phenotype, meeting 1 to 2 of the following 5 criteria: 1) Hand grip strength below specific thresholds based on gender and Body Mass Index.
Ability to safely complete a 6-meter walk test in a single attempt without assistance or using only simple aids such as a cane.
4 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of a standardized Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula versus beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) on muscle strength and bone health in pre-frail older adults . Pre-frailty is a critical stage where functional decline may still be reversed through proper intervention. The study will enroll 90 participants aged 65 years or older who meet the criteria for pre-frailty. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Taiwan (1).
RecruitingNCT07675421
Impact of HMB Supplementation on Inflammation and Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer
No phase
Federal University of Minas Gerais
About 66 people
Starts Aug 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A study of HMB in people 18 and older, run by Federal University of Minas Gerais. It plans to enroll about 66 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 and older. Conditions: Head and Neck Cancers.
Individuals aged 18 years or older;
Both sexes (male and female);
Patients treated at the outpatient clinic for head and neck carcinoma;
Indication for potentially curative tumor resection surgery.
Cancer patients undergoing surgery are at high risk of malnutrition due to the effects of the tumor and surgical stress, which can lead to worse clinical outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the impact of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients with malignant tumors of the upper airways and digestive tract undergoing surgery. This is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Brazil (1).
Not yet recruitingNCT07589764
Pilot Trial Utilizing β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate to Lower IGFBP7 Levels in People With ALS
Phase 1
Duke University
About 100 people
Starts Oct 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A Phase 1 study of HMB in people 18 and older, run by Duke University. It plans to enroll about 100 people at 2 US sites.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 and older. Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS.
Male or female aged at least 18 years.
Sporadic or familial ALS diagnosed as per Gold Coast Criteria (37).
Patient is able to understand and express informed consent (in the opinion of the site investigator).
Patient is able to read and write English.
3 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB)
Registered summary
This is an open label trial of a supplement called HMB in patients with ALS. The researchers are evaluating its safety and tolerability, as well as its ability to lower insulin-like growth-factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) and Neurofilament light chain levels (NFL) and to slow ALS Functional Rating Scale, Revised (ALSFRS-R) progression.
Where, as registered
2 US sites in 2 states.
Not yet recruitingNCT07760948
HMB Plus Vitamin D to Preserve Muscle in Older Adults Starting Semaglutide
Phase 2
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
About 90 people
Starts Dec 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A Phase 2 study of HMB in people 65 to 85, run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center. It plans to enroll about 90 people at 1 US site.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 65 to 85. Conditions: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM); Sarcopenia; Obesity; Muscle Loss; Older Adults.
Age 65 to 85 years, inclusive.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, defined by HbA1c at or above 6.5% or current use of antihyperglycemic medication.
Body mass index at or above 27 kg/m2.
Newly initiating semaglutide as standard clinical care under the direction of a treating clinician.
3 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
Calcium-HMB Plus Vitamin D3; Matching placebo
Registered summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will evaluate whether daily calcium beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (calcium-HMB) plus vitamin D3 preserves muscle mass, physical function, and resting metabolism in adults aged 65 to 85 years with type 2 diabetes who are newly starting semaglutide as part of usual clinical care. Participants will receive calcium-HMB plus vitamin D3 or matching placebo for approximately 6 months. The primary outcome is change in appendicular lean mass measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry from baseline to month 6. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
1 US site in 1 state.
Not yet recruitingNCT07722806
A Nutrition and Exercise Program With Olanzapine Compared to Olanzapine Alone: A Trial in Patients With Advanced Tumors
Phase 2
Kantonsspital Winterthur KSW
About 130 people
Starts Aug 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A Phase 2 study of HMB in people 18 to 100, run by Kantonsspital Winterthur KSW. It plans to enroll about 130 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 to 100. Conditions: Cancer, Advanced Solid Tumors; Malnutrition.
Age ≥18 years
Metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors, excluding lymphoma, not eligible for curative treatment
VAS score ≤70 for appetite, as defined for anorexia in oncology patients (olanzapine is prescribed according to clinical guidelines as part of standard care)
WHO-PS of ≤3
3 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
Standardized nutritional program; standardized exercize program; Whey protein supplement with added leucine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB)
Registered summary
Cancer patients have a higher risk of malnutrition because of their illness and treatments. This can lead to weight loss, weak muscles, less effective cancer therapy, or stronger side effects. This research project looks at whether adding a combined nutrition and exercise program to the standard treatment for appetite loss (olanzapine) can improve the quality of life for patients with cancer, compared to taking olanzapine alone. In this study, patients are randomly split into two groups. The program group gets advice from nutrition experts and physiotherapists. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Switzerland (1).
Not yet recruitingNCT07142941
Exercise and/or HMB in Older Diabetes With Low Muscle Mass
No phase
Wu Shangling
About 120 people
Starts Apr 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A study of HMB in people 60 to 80, run by Wu Shangling. It plans to enroll about 120 people and lists no sites yet.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 60 to 80. Conditions: Diabetes; Low Muscle Mass.
Aged 60-80 ;
Diagnosis of T2DM
Low muscle mass: met a reference value for low muscle mass defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria with skeletal muscle index <5.7 kg/m2 for women and <7.0 kg/m2 for men
The exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
HMB; Exercise; Placebo; Education
Registered summary
The investigators aimed to examine if β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation enhances the effects of exercise on muscle mass, physical performance and insulin resistance and observe potential residual effects in older diabetes with low muscle mass, and to find the optimal treatment plan.
Where, as registered
No sites listed yet.
Not yet recruitingNCT07731048
High-Protein Diet and HMB Supplementation in Patients With Heart Failure
No phase
Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre
About 84 people
Starts Sep 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A study of HMB in people 18 and older, run by Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. It plans to enroll about 84 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 and older. Conditions: Heart Failure.
Adults aged 18 years or older;
Male or female;
Diagnosis of chronic heart failure for at least 3 months, established according to the Brazilian Guidelines for Chronic and Acute Heart Failure and confirmed by medical records.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of a high-protein diet with or without HMB supplementation compared with a normoprotein diet on clinical, nutritional, and functional outcomes in patients with heart failure. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does a normocaloric high-protein diet improve muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function compared with a normocaloric normoprotein diet after 8 weeks? 2. The full summary is on the listing.
Where, as registered
No US site; Brazil (1).
Not yet recruitingNCT07466407
Effects of HMB and Rehabilitation Program in Athletes With Patellar Tendinopathy
No phase
Universidad Complutense de Madrid
About 30 people
Starts Mar 1, 2026 (estimated)
In plain words A study of HMB in people 18 to 49, run by Universidad Complutense de Madrid. It plans to enroll about 30 people at 1 site, none in the US.
Who it lists and where
Who the trial lists, as registered
Lists people 18 to 49. Conditions: Patellar Tendinopathy.
Age between 18 and 49 years
Clinical diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy confirmed by a physician and physiotherapist
Minimum training frequency of three sessions per week
5 more inclusion criteria and the exclusion criteria are on the listing.
What it tests, as registered
Eccentric exercise and extracorporeal shock wave therapy; Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)
Registered summary
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluates the effects of oral beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation combined with an eccentric exercise and extracorporeal shockwave rehabilitation program on pain, tendon morphology, and neuromuscular performance in athletes with patellar tendinopathy. Thirty athletes with a confirmed diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy are randomized to receive either HMB supplementation (3 g/day) or placebo during an 8-week rehabilitation program. Participants are evaluated at baseline, week 4, and week 8. The full summary is on the listing.