Evaluating vericiguat for heart failure in children

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of vericiguat against a placebo in reducing levels of NT-proBNP, a marker for heart failure, in pediatric patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Participants will be monitored over a 16-week period to assess changes in their heart failure symptoms and overall health. The study includes an optional open-label extension period for eligible participants who complete the initial phase. The goal is to determine if vericiguat can provide significant benefits in managing heart failure in children.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Has symptomatic chronic heart failure (HF) resulting from systemic left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.
* Has biventricular physiology with a morphologic systemic left ventricle.
* Is currently receiving stable medical therapy for HF.
* Has left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \<45% assessed within 3 months before randomization.
* Is of any sex/gender, from \>28 days to \<18 years of age inclusive. Must weigh ≥3 kg to participate.
* Female is eligible to participate if not pregnant or breastfeeding, and at least one of the following: is not a participant of childbearing potential (POCBP); or is a POCBP who uses a highly effective contraceptive method; has a negative highly sensitive pregnancy test; abstains from breastfeeding during the study intervention period and for at least 30 days after study intervention; and their medical history; their menstrual history, and recent sexual activity has been reviewed.
* Extension Period: Was randomized, received at least 1 dose of study intervention (vericiguat or placebo), did not permanently discontinue study intervention, and completed the Week 52 visit and safety follow-up period of the Base Period

Exclusion Criteria:

* Is clinically unstable-with at least one of the following: has symptomatic hypotension or is hypotensive for age, recent use of intravenous (IV) inotrope and/or IV vasodilator, or recent IV diuretic.
* Has a known allergy or sensitivity to vericiguat, any of its constituents, or any other soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator.
* Has a history of single ventricle heart disease or has a morphologic systemic right ventricle.
* Has undergone heart transplantation, is awaiting heart transplantation United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Class 1A or equivalent, is receiving continuous IV infusion of an inotrope, or has an implanted ventricular assist device.
* Has sustained or symptomatic dysrhythmia uncontrolled with drug or device therapy.
* Has had recent cardiovascular (CV) surgical procedure or percutaneous intervention to palliate or correct congenital CV malformations.
* Has unoperated or residual hemodynamically significant congenital cardiac malformations.
* Has hypertrophic or restrictive cardiomyopathy.
* Has active myocarditis or has been recently diagnosed with presumed or definitive myocarditis.
* Has acute coronary syndrome, undergone recent coronary intervention, or indication for coronary revascularization.
* Has symptomatic carotid stenosis or other symptomatic cerebrovascular disease
* Has severe pulmonary hypertension.
* Requires continuous home oxygen for significant pulmonary disease and/or has known interstitial lung disease.
* Has severe chronic kidney disease.
* Has hepatic disorder such as hepatic encephalopathy, hepatic laboratory abnormalities or Child Pugh Class C.
* Has a gastrointestinal or biliary disorder that could impair absorption, metabolism, or excretion of medications.
* Has significant bone disease (other than osteopenia) that in the assessment of the investigator can alter bone formation
* Has concurrent or anticipated concomitant use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors or an sGC stimulator.
* Has received a COVID-19 vaccination within 1 week before randomization.

Where it's running

• The Regents of the University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA Pediatrics) ( Site 0002)
  Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
• Lucile Packard Children's Hospital ( Site 0040)
  Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
• Loma Linda University Health System ( Site 0008)
  San Bernardino, California, United States Recruiting
• Children's National Medical Center ( Site 0020)
  Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting
• Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital ( Site 0029)
  St. Petersburg, Florida, United States Recruiting
• Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Arthur M. Blank Hospital ( Site 0001)
  Atlanta, Georgia, United States Recruiting

+62 more sites. See ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Toll Free Number
• Email: Trialsites@msd.com
• Phone: 1-888-577-8839

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.