Improving heart function in donor hearts for transplantation

Targeting Immune-Responsive Gene 1 (Irg1) and Itaconate for Cardioprotection of the Donor Heart for Transplantation

['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-10906125

This study is looking at how a medication called valproic acid might help make donor hearts work better after a transplant, which could lead to better results for people receiving heart transplants.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10906125 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance the function of donor hearts used in transplants, particularly focusing on a drug called valproic acid (VPA). VPA is known for treating epilepsy but has shown promise in improving heart function by increasing the production of a protective metabolite called itaconate. The study uses animal models to explore how VPA can help prevent primary graft dysfunction, a condition that affects 10-20% of transplant patients. By improving the preservation of donor hearts, this research aims to enhance outcomes for heart transplant recipients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals awaiting heart transplantation or those who have received a donor heart.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for heart transplantation or those with contraindications to valproic acid may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better heart transplant outcomes and reduced complications for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that enhancing donor heart preservation can significantly improve transplant outcomes, indicating a promising avenue for this research.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, 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.