PCSK9 inhibitors and abdominal aortic aneurysm growth
Official title: Impact of PCSK9 inhibition on abdominal aortic aneurysm pathobiology and growth
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11309600 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new study asks whether lowering LDL cholesterol with PCSK9 inhibitors can slow the growth of abdominal aortic aneurysms in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $656,467 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166991-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11309600 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults with abdominal aortic aneurysm or at risk for AAA growth, and individuals suitable for LDL-C lowering strategies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AAA or those not candidates for LDL-C lowering therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a life-threatening condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in people aged 65 and up. Researchers will analyze genetic data and cholesterol-related factors to understand how PCSK9 inhibitors might influence aneurysm growth. They will also run a large, carefully designed randomized trial to test whether intensive LDL-C lowering can slow AAA expansion and reduce risk of rupture. The work aims to identify a medical therapy to prevent AAA progression, potentially reducing the need for surgery. If successful, the findings could change how AAA is managed in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, patients with small AAA could gain a medication option to slow growth and lower rupture risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest LDL-C lowering and PCSK9 inhibition could influence AAA biology, but large-scale efficacy data on growth reduction is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damrauer, Scott Michael — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Damrauer, Scott Michael
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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.