NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using low dose colchicine to reduce vascular risks in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Official title: 2/2 Low dose colchicine in pAtients with peripheral artery DiseasE to assess residual vascular risk (LEADER-PAD)

Funded at Duke University · NIH-10982434 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at whether a low dose of colchicine can help people with peripheral artery disease (PAD) by reducing the risk of serious heart and leg problems, and we're inviting 1,000 participants from the U.S. to join in and see how it works compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startSeptember 25, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$610,248
NIH project number1U24HL171356-01A1
Project IDNIH-10982434 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peripheral artery disease who are at risk for cardiovascular complications.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of peripheral artery disease or those who are not at risk for cardiovascular events may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of low dose colchicine on patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The study aims to enroll 1,000 participants from the U.S. as part of a larger multinational effort involving 6,150 participants. By targeting inflammation with colchicine, the research seeks to determine if this treatment can lower the risk of serious cardiovascular and limb-related complications. Participants will be monitored closely to assess the outcomes of the treatment compared to a placebo.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and improve the quality of life for patients with peripheral artery disease.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that colchicine can reduce cardiovascular risks in patients with coronary disease, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Vemulapalli, Sreekanth — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Vemulapalli, Sreekanth

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.