Using Deferiprone to Treat Heart Damage After a Heart Attack

Cardiac MRI-guided Deferiprone Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients

Phase 2 Interventional Indiana University · NCT05604131

This study is testing if the medication Deferiprone can help reduce heart damage in patients who have had a heart attack by lowering iron levels in their hearts.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment89 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
SponsorIndiana University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Trial IDNCT05604131 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Deferiprone, a medication, in reducing free iron levels in the hemorrhagic zone of patients who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Deferiprone tablets or a placebo. The study focuses on patients with anterior wall STEMI who undergo emergency coronary angiography with primary PCI. The goal is to determine if Deferiprone can improve outcomes in this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced an index anterior wall STEMI and are undergoing emergency coronary angiography.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of significant heart issues, certain medical conditions, or contraindications to cardiac MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve recovery and outcomes for patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies targeting iron reduction in myocardial infarction have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

1. Age 18-79 years
2. Index Anterior wall STEMI
3. Emergency coronary angiogram with primary PCI

Exclusion Criteria

1. Prior history of MI / PCI / coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) within previous 1 year
2. Patients with previous history of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 40%
3. Use of investigational drugs or devices 30 days prior to randomization
4. Known allergy or contra-indication to gadolinium/contrast agents
5. eGFR \< 30 ml/kg/min
6. Any contraindication against cardiac MRI (such as metal implants)
7. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women of reproductive potential must have a negative pregnancy test prior to randomization
8. Body weight \> 140 kg (or 309 lbs.)
9. Absolute neutrophil count - ANC \< 1.5 k/cumm
10. History of Chronic Liver Disease
11. Elevated hepatic enzymes (BOTH ALT and AST) \> 2 times of upper normal limit
12. Patients with iron storage disease (hemochromatosis, thalassemia) or who are already treated with iron chelators
13. Any clinically significant abnormality identified prior to randomization that in the judgment of the Sponsor-Investigator or Delegate would preclude safe completion of the study or confound the anticipated benefit of deferiprone.
14. Life expectancy of less than 1 year due to non-cardiac pathology

Where this trial is running

Indianapolis, Indiana

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 Acute Myocardial Infarction Type 1Acute Myocardial InfarctionIntramyocardial HemorrhageDeferiprone
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.