Improving exercise and muscle function in heart failure patients

Multidrug Metabolic Approach to Improve Exercise and Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Capacity in HFpEF

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11098723

This study is looking at how certain medications can help people with heart failure feel stronger and exercise better by improving how their muscles use oxygen, and it’s inviting patients to join in and see if these treatments can make a difference in their daily activities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11098723 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a combination of medications can enhance exercise capacity and muscle function in patients with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). It focuses on the role of skeletal muscle oxygen utilization and nitric oxide in improving exercise tolerance. The study will explore the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and nitric oxide donors on muscle metabolism and overall physical performance. Patients may participate in trials assessing these treatments and their impact on daily activities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction who experience limitations in exercise capacity.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of heart failure or those without exercise intolerance may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that significantly improve exercise tolerance and quality of life for patients with HFpEF.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches in other cardiovascular conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.