PET tracer to image cardiac amyloidosis
Official title: PET Tracer for Imaging Cardiac Amyloidosis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11368737 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new PET tracer is being developed to help visualize amyloid buildup in the heart, potentially helping people with amyloidosis and related heart disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $594,713 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG095533-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11368737 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with suspected or confirmed cardiac amyloidosis or related amyloid conditions who require advanced cardiac imaging.
✕Less likely to help
People without cardiac amyloidosis or without indications for cardiac PET imaging may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a PET tracer that highlights cardiac amyloid deposits, which can cause heart dysfunction. Researchers will test the tracer in imaging studies to see if it can distinguish amyloid types and improve noninvasive diagnosis. The study will build on existing knowledge of amyloid biology and current imaging approaches to reduce the need for risky biopsies. If successful, the tracer could lead to earlier detection and better monitoring of heart involvement in amyloidosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive noninvasive, accurate heart imaging to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous imaging agents have limited sensitivity; this project explores a potentially more informative tracer for cardiac amyloidosis.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Vijay — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Vijay
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Improving outcomes in cardiac amyloidosis using innovative imaging techniques
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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.