Investigating a new treatment for heart transplant patients using Belatacept
Safety and efficacy of Belatacept in heart transplantation
This study is looking at how well Belatacept works as a new option for people getting their first heart transplant, helping them safely switch from traditional medications while aiming to improve heart health and reduce rejection risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Belatacept, a medication that may serve as an alternative to traditional immunosuppressants in heart transplantation. The study will involve first-time heart transplant recipients who will gradually transition off calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus over nine months while receiving Belatacept, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. The goal is to reduce the risk of rejection and improve long-term heart transplant outcomes by preventing the activation of harmful immune responses. Participants will be monitored for changes in heart function and the development of donor-specific antibodies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals receiving their first heart transplant.
Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone heart transplantation or those with contraindications to Belatacept may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved long-term survival rates and better quality of life for heart transplant patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results with Belatacept in kidney transplantation, suggesting potential benefits in heart transplantation as well.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Habal, Marlena — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Habal, Marlena
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 below.