Neprilysin Inhibition and Cardiometabolic Health in Black Adults
Official title: The Effects of Neprilysin Inhibition on Cardiometabolic Health in Black Individuals
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11332691 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether the diabetes- and heart-health benefits of an approved drug combination can improve insulin sensitivity and energy use in Black adults with higher risk for cardiometabolic disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $723,849 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163852-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11332691 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who identify as Black and have or are at risk for insulin resistance and cardiometabolic diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without insulin resistance or cardiometabolic risk factors or those intolerant to sacubitril/valsartan may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on Black adults who face higher rates of insulin resistance and cardiometabolic diseases. It explores whether blocking the neprilysin enzyme with sacubitril/valsartan can boost beneficial hormones like natriuretic peptides and GLP-1, potentially improving energy use and insulin sensitivity. Researchers will measure metabolic responses, including insulin action and energy expenditure, to see if this treatment can reduce disease risk. The study builds on prior findings of lower natriuretic peptide levels and impaired GLP-1 responses in Black individuals and tests whether neprilysin inhibition can help counter these effects. If successful, this work could point to a new approach to reduce cardiometabolic risk in a population at higher burden of disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve insulin sensitivity and energy metabolism, lowering cardiometabolic risk for Black adults.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests neprilysin inhibition can elevate beneficial hormones; this study tests this mechanism specifically in Black adults with cardiometabolic risk.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arora, Pankaj — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Arora, Pankaj
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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.