Investigating the effects of specific drugs on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in animal models.
Official title: Beneficial Effects of FPR Agonists on an Animal Model of Early Stage Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Funded at VA San Diego Healthcare System · NIH-10950331 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), especially in post-menopausal women, by testing how certain drugs can reduce inflammation and scarring in the heart.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005894-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950331 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are post-menopausal women or individuals with conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or hypertension that contribute to heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or those without the aforementioned risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition that currently lacks effective treatments. The study uses animal models to explore how specific drugs can target inflammation and fibrosis in the heart, particularly in post-menopausal women who are disproportionately affected by this condition. By examining the role of macrophages and inflammatory cytokines, the research aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies that could improve heart function. The findings could lead to better management options for patients suffering from HFpEF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, improving outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting inflammation in heart failure is being explored, this specific focus on HFpEF and its unique pathophysiology represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villarreal, Francisco J — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Villarreal, Francisco J
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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.