Detecting and treating early coronary artery disease using genetic risk factors

Polygenic Risk-based Detection of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis and Intervention With Statin and Colchicine

Phase 4 Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05850091

This study is testing if high-intensity statin therapy, low-dose colchicine, or a combination of both can help people with early signs of heart disease and a high genetic risk for it.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05850091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This double-blind randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of high-intensity statin therapy, low-dose colchicine, and their combination on the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in individuals identified as having a high polygenic risk for coronary artery disease. The study will involve 200 participants aged 40 to 75 with subclinical atherosclerosis, who will be randomly assigned to receive either a placebo, rosuvastatin, colchicine, or both. The primary outcome will be the change in total non-calcified plaque volume measured by coronary computed tomography angiography over one year, alongside various secondary outcomes related to plaque imaging and biomarkers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 40 to 75 with a high polygenic risk score for coronary artery disease and subclinical atherosclerosis.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular disease or significant liver or kidney issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing coronary artery disease in high-risk individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using genetic risk factors to guide treatment strategies, but this specific approach is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females between 40 and 75 years of age capable and willing to provide informed consent
* Participant has high CAD PRS as defined on a clinical test
* Participant with subclinical atherosclerosis defined as plaque visible on CCTA and causing \<70% luminal stenosis

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participant with a history of cardiovascular disease, defined by a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, or cerebrovascular disease
* Participant with a history of Liver disease (cirrhosis, active hepatitis, or severe hepatic disease) or any of the following recent lab results and determined to be non-transient: alanine aminotransferase greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal or total bilirubin greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal (unless due to Gilbert syndrome)
* Participant with estimated glomerular filtration rate \<60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or creatinine greater than 2 times the upper limit of normal
* Patient with history of an allergic reaction or significant sensitivity to iodinated contrast, colchicine, or statins
* Patient currently taking LDL cholesterol lowering or anti- inflammatory medications including colchicine
* Participants requiring regular drugs known to be potent CY2P inhibitors (eg. ketoconazole, clarithromycin)
* Female patient who is pregnant, or breast-feeding or is considering becoming pregnant during the study
* Participant with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2
* Participant unable to provide informed consent
* Participant unable to hold breath for 10 seconds

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Artery DiseasePolygenic riskAtherosclerosisGeneticsGenomic medicinePolygenic scorePrecision medicinePreventive cardiology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.