European CarePath Project: TUD Faculty of Medicine Researches Therapies for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes

Chronic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes can now be treated successfully with medication thanks to advances in healthcare. However, studies repeatedly show that many affected people find it difficult to continue treatment over a longer period of time, often due to a lack of support, social stigma, or financial pressure.

With CarePath, a European research project was launched in 2025 to support people with chronic diseases in implementing their therapies more effectively and sustainably. The five-year project brings together academic institutions, healthcare providers, patient organizations, and industry partners from across Europe to develop solutions for long-term treatment adherence and thereby improve treatment outcomes.

The aim of this cross-border collaboration is to develop a flexible, ready-to-use toolbox that will help people manage their medication in a way that suits their needs and lifestyle.

In Germany, the project is supported by three leading academic centers: the Faculty of Medicine at TUD Dresden University of Technology and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden together with the Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (MKIII-PLID), represented by Prof. Nikolaos Perakakis, the University Hospital Tübingen and Helmholtz Munich under the leadership of Prof. Andreas Birkenfeld, and University Hospital Leipzig, represented by Prof. Matthias Blüher. The three scientists contribute their internationally recognized expertise in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases to the project.

Once the toolbox, a digital support system, is ready for use, the three German partners will conduct a clinical pilot study within CarePath to assess its effectiveness. The study is expected to begin in 2027 and will focus on people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. It will examine whether such personalized support services can improve long-term treatment adherence. The study will also focus on modern incretin-based therapies such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Semaglutide is better known under the trade name Ozempic; tirzepatide is a related dual-acting active substance available under the name Mounjaro.

“Despite significant progress in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes, long-term treatment success depends crucially on whether patients can continue their treatment over time,” explains Prof. Nikolaos Perakakis. “CarePath offers a unique opportunity to develop and scientifically evaluate innovative support tools that place the needs of those affected at the center.”

“Metabolic diseases are one of our research priorities. By participating in CarePath, the Faculty of Medicine is positioning itself as part of a strong international research network that specifically aims to translate scientific findings into innovative solutions,” says Prof. Esther Troost, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at TUD.

“For University Hospital Dresden, CarePath offers the opportunity to link research findings and solution approaches with clinical care. Together with our partners, especially in Leipzig, we want to sustainably improve the care of patients with chronic metabolic diseases,” says Prof. Uwe Platzbecker, Medical Director of University Hospital Dresden.

CAREPATH – Collaborative Action and Research for Engagement, Persistence and Adherence in Treatment & Health
Project website: https://carepath-ihi.eu/
Start: 1 May 2025
Duration: 60 months (2025 to 2030)
Total budget: approx. EUR 20 million
EU funding: approx. EUR 11 million
Industry partners: approx. EUR 9 million
Coordinator: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB
Project lead: Novo Nordisk

The study is part of Work Package IV: pilot implementation of an open-label, randomized, controlled proof-of-concept study evaluating the use of the toolbox in inpatient and outpatient settings in three hospitals in Germany in patients with T2DM.

Scientific contact:
Prof. Dr. med. Nikolaos Perakakis
University Professor of Metabolic and Vascular Medicine
Group Leader – Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID)
Director of University Study Center for Metabolic Diseases
Department of Internal Medicine III
University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus
at TUD Dresden University of Technology
Tel.: +49 351 458 3651 or -13651
E-Mail: