Improving heart health after cardiac surgery using a vitamin-like compound
Official title: NAD+ Augmentation in Cardiac Surgery Associated Myocardial Injury
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10903960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking nicotinamide can help protect your heart and kidneys after heart surgery, and it will involve 304 patients who will either get the nicotinamide or a placebo to see how well it works and if it's safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $658,806 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL151996-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are scheduled to undergo cardiac surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiac surgery or those with contraindications to nicotinamide may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of nicotinamide, a precursor to NAD+, to reduce heart and kidney injuries that can occur after cardiac surgery. The study will involve a larger clinical trial with 304 patients, where participants will receive either nicotinamide or a placebo to assess its effectiveness and safety. The goal is to determine if this treatment can help prevent complications during the recovery period following surgery. Patients will be monitored for any changes in their heart and kidney function as part of the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce the risk of heart and kidney injuries after cardiac surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Poyan Mehr, Ali — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Poyan Mehr, Ali
Related research
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A machine-learning approach uses routinely collected hospital data to predict who might develop acute kidney injury after heart surgery, so clinicians can act early.
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.