Improving early risk prediction for cardiometabolic diseases in Africa
Official title: Integrated modeLs for Early Risk-prediction in Africa (ILERA) study
Funded at Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD · NIH-10932162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we predict heart and metabolic diseases in African communities by combining different types of information, like genetics and lifestyle habits, to help identify people who are at higher risk and provide them with better health advice.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Parktown, South Africa) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $250,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U01HL172182-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in Africa, particularly those with risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of these conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in Africa or those without any risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the prediction of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) in African populations by integrating various data types, including genomic, transcriptomic, and lifestyle information. The goal is to develop more accurate risk prediction models that can identify individuals at high risk for CMDs, which are a significant health burden in Africa. By utilizing advanced data-driven approaches, the study aims to improve the effectiveness of existing polygenic risk scoring models, making them more applicable to African demographics. This could lead to better-targeted healthcare interventions and lifestyle recommendations for those most at risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for cardiometabolic diseases, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using integrated data approaches for risk prediction in various populations, suggesting potential success for this novel application in African contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
Parktown, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choudhury, Ananyo — Wits Health Consortium (Pty), LTD
- Study coordinator: Choudhury, Ananyo
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.