Protecting heart cell mitochondria to help heart failure

Synergistically Target Mitochondria for Heart Failure Treatment

['FUNDING_R01'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11112368

Combining ways to preserve mitochondrial energy and remove harmful mitochondrial oxygen molecules to help people with heart failure.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorOHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11112368 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Heart cells depend on tiny structures called mitochondria for energy, and in heart failure these mitochondria can lose their energy state and produce damaging oxygen molecules. This project aims to both keep mitochondrial membrane potential stable and clear excess mitochondrial reactive oxygen species at the same time. To accomplish that, researchers will create and use new tools to control mitochondria in living hearts and test the combined approach in animal models. If those experiments show improved heart function and structure, the researchers plan to move the findings toward treatments that could be tested in people.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with chronic heart failure, especially those with weakened heart muscle or evidence suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction, would be the main candidates for future trials based on this work.

Not a fit: People with acute, emergency heart conditions, heart problems unrelated to mitochondrial dysfunction, or those needing immediate lifesaving interventions are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that strengthen heart function and slow progression of heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: Prior antioxidant therapies showed promise in animal studies but largely failed in human trials, so combining membrane-stabilizing methods with ROS scavenging is a newer strategy that has limited prior success in people.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.