EMbArK: Empagliflozin for INOCA and Endothelial Health
Official title: EMbArK: Empagliflozin Treatment of Ischemic with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries (INOCA)
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11448917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether the diabetes drug empagliflozin can help people with INOCA, a type of chest pain without blocked arteries, by improving blood flow and endothelial function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $734,266 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL183368-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with INOCA and evidence of coronary microvascular dysfunction who may benefit from SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without INOCA or with obstructive CAD are unlikely to benefit from empagliflozin for this purpose.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people with ischemia and non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA), a condition where heart pain occurs without blocked arteries. Researchers think empagliflozin, a medication used for diabetes, might improve small-vessel blood flow and reverse endothelial dysfunction, which could reduce symptoms. The study builds on prior animal and human data showing cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors and a pilot experience in INOCA patients. By elucidating cellular pathways like TNF-α signaling involved in endothelial health, the team aims to translate findings into better therapies. If successful, this work could offer a new treatment option for INOCA patients who currently have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with INOCA could experience reduced angina and improved heart blood flow.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical and some human data suggest SGLT2 inhibitors can improve endothelial function and CMD, with a pilot INOCA study showing symptom improvement.
Where this research is happening
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University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Quesada, Odayme — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Quesada, Odayme
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.