Effects of a medication on the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Official title: Impact of PCSK9 inhibition on abdominal aortic aneurysm pathobiology and growth
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11014326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a medication that lowers cholesterol can help prevent the growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms in older adults, and it’s for people who have this condition and want to explore new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,111 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166991-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who have been diagnosed with small abdominal aortic aneurysms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have abdominal aortic aneurysms or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting a specific protein, PCSK9, may affect the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in older adults. The study will analyze genetic data to understand the relationship between cholesterol levels and AAA growth, and it will also involve a clinical trial where participants will receive either the medication or a placebo. By focusing on individuals with small AAAs, the research aims to determine if lowering cholesterol can prevent the aneurysms from expanding. This could lead to new treatment options for a condition that currently has no effective medical therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new medical treatment to prevent the growth and rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysms, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using PCSK9 inhibitors for lowering cholesterol, but this specific application to AAA growth is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damrauer, Scott Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Damrauer, Scott Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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Scientists are studying how a molecule called MOF and inflammatory signals affect abdominal aortic aneurysms to find ways to slow or stop their enlargement.
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Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
A study exploring how fats in the blood (TRLs) influence the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms to find non-surgical ways to protect against rupture, especially in people aged 65 and older.
-
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A research team will study how genetic differences influence abdominal aortic aneurysm to help with earlier prevention and better treatment.
-
Phospholipid-based nanotherapies to treat abdominal aortic aneurysm
A new nanoparticle treatment is being developed to slow or stop the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.