New imaging tools and treatments for aortic valve calcification
Molecular imaging and therapy in aortic valve calcification
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11213917
Researchers are creating molecular imaging scans and testing treatments aimed at finding and slowing aortic valve calcification in people with or at risk for aortic stenosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11213917 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project is developing molecular imaging tracers that can see biological changes in the aortic valve, especially processes that lead to calcification. The team will use animal models and existing human tissue and gene-expression data to validate tracers that target enzymes like MMP-12 and to track valve disease over time. They will combine molecular imaging with structural scans to spot early disease activity and to monitor how candidate therapies affect valve biology. The work aims to find targets and imaging tools that could guide treatments to slow or reverse valve calcification.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage aortic valve calcification or mild-to-moderate aortic stenosis would be the most likely candidates for related clinical testing.
Not a fit: Patients with severe, end-stage valve calcification already needing urgent valve replacement are less likely to benefit from these early-stage imaging and therapy developments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of active valve disease and support treatments that slow or reverse calcification, potentially delaying or avoiding valve replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Medical drug trials for calcific aortic valve disease have largely failed, but molecular imaging and the MMP-12 target are new directions with promising preliminary lab and animal data that remain unproven in humans.
Where this research is happening
WEST HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM — WEST HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SADEGHI, MEHRAN M — VA CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: SADEGHI, MEHRAN M
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.
Conditions: Aortic valvular disorders