Using a cholesterol-lowering medication to prevent heart complications after transplantation
PCSK9 Inhibition after Heart Transplantation
This study is looking at how well a new cholesterol-lowering medication called alirocumab works for heart transplant patients to help keep their hearts healthy and prevent complications, and if you join, you'll either get the medication or a placebo while we check your heart health over a year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10617265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a new cholesterol-lowering medication called alirocumab in patients who have undergone heart transplantation. It aims to determine the safety and effectiveness of this medication in preventing a serious condition known as cardiac allograft vasculopathy, which can lead to complications after surgery. Participants will undergo tests to measure their heart health and cholesterol levels, and they will be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or a placebo. The study will track changes in heart artery health over the course of a year.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently undergone heart transplantation and are at risk for cardiac allograft vasculopathy.
Not a fit: Patients who have not had a heart transplant or those with contraindications to PCSK9 inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve heart health and reduce complications for patients who have received a heart transplant.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that PCSK9 inhibitors can effectively lower cholesterol levels and reduce plaque in non-transplant patients, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fearon, William F — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Fearon, William F
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.