Blocking IL-1 to prevent heart failure after heart attacks

Prevention of heart failure with IL-1 blockade: a mechanistic study

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-11056020

This study is looking at whether a medication called anakinra, which blocks a protein that causes inflammation, can help prevent heart failure in people who have had a serious heart attack, and we're excited to see how it might improve heart health for those at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11056020 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how blocking the inflammatory protein IL-1 can help prevent heart failure in patients who have experienced a severe heart attack known as STEMI. The study will use a medication called anakinra, which inhibits IL-1, to see if it can reduce inflammation and improve heart function. By understanding the mechanisms behind this treatment, the researchers aim to provide new insights into preventing heart failure in at-risk patients. Participants will be monitored for changes in heart function and overall health over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently suffered an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a heart attack or those with chronic heart failure may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of heart failure in patients recovering from heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with IL-1 blockade in reducing heart failure risk, indicating that this approach has potential based on earlier findings.

Where this research is happening

RICHMOND, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.