OUR RESEARCH

Since 2003, the Midwest Cardiovascular Research and Education Foundation has partnered with national and global clinical trial organizations and sponsors on trials geared towards new treatments in our fight against cardiovascular disease.

 

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RESEARCH TRIALS

  • All
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome
  • Atrial Fibrillation/Anticoagulation
  • Current
  • Device and Interventional
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Heart Failure
  • Hypertension
  • Imaging
  • Other Indications

ABSORB III

The ABSORB III Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a clinical study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Absorb™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) compared to the XIENCE stent in patients with coronary artery disease. The trial includes patients with up to two new coronary artery lesions and aims to support the pre-market approval of Absorb BVS in the United States. The study also features a lead-in phase to assess physician training and an imaging cohort to evaluate long-term vascular function.

ABSORB IV

The Absorb IV Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) is a clinical study designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Absorb™ Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold (BVS) compared to the XIENCE stent. This trial is a continuation of the ABSORB III trial and includes approximately 2610 subjects from around 140 sites in and outside the United States. The primary objective is to compare the 30-day and long-term clinical outcomes of Absorb BVS to XIENCE in patients with ischemic heart disease caused by up to three new coronary artery lesions. The trial will also assess the incidence of angina and patient-reported outcomes over five years.

ACCELERATE

The purpose of the ACCELERATE study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evacetrapib in participants with high-risk vascular disease (HRVD).

ACUITY

The purpose of this study is to show that, when compared with heparin (enoxaparin or unfractionated heparin) and routine GPIIb/IIIa inhibition (either started upfront or at the time of percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]; Arm A):

AEGIS

The Phase 2b study of CSL112 in subjects with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of CSL112. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involves multiple doses of CSL112 at different levels to assess their effects on liver and kidney function compared to a placebo. The study aims to ensure that CSL112 can be administered safely to patients who have experienced a heart attack.

AEGIS II

This is a phase 3, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CSL112 on reducing the risk of major adverse CV events [MACE – cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke] in subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) diagnosed with either ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), including those managed with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or medically managed.

ALECARDIO

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the effect of dalcetrapib 600 mg on artherosclerotic disease progression, lipid profile and biomarker profile and long-term safety profile of dalcetrapib in patients with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerotic disease progression will be measured 1. Coronary Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), Quantitative Coronary Angiography 2. Carotid B-Mode Ultrasound Intima Medial Thickness (IMT) and total plaque volume in subjects undergoing coronary angiography who have coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients will be randomized to receive dalcetrapib 600 mg orally once a day or placebo. The anticipated time on study treatment will be 24 months. The target sample size is 800-1000 patients.

AQUARIUS

The AQUARIUS study tested whether a drug called aliskiren could slow the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with slightly high blood pressure. The study compared aliskiren to a placebo, with both groups also receiving standard heart disease treatments. Researchers used a special ultrasound to measure changes in the patients’ artery health over two years.

ARTEMIS

This research study is being done to see if ziltivekimab can be used to treat people who were admitted to hospital because of a heart attack. Ziltivekimab might reduce development of heart disease, thereby preventing new heart attacks or strokes. Participants will either get ziltivekimab (active medicine) or placebo (a dummy medicine which has no effect on the body).  

ASCEND HF

The purpose of this study is to find out if nesiritide (a human B-type natriuretic peptide/hBNP) as compared to placebo, plus the usual treatment for acute decompensated heart failure, helps to improve breathing difficulties, reduce heart failure readmissions to hospitals, and helps patients live longer.

ATHENA

To assess the efficacy of dronedarone in preventing cardiovascular hospitalization or death from any cause in a population of high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF/AFL). To assess that dronedarone is well tolerated in this population.

AVOID HF

The purpose of the research is to determine if patients have fewer Heart Failure (HF) events after receiving Aquapheresis (AQ) therapy compared to intravenous (IV) diuretics up to 90 days of discharge from the hospital. Heart Failure events are defined as returning to the hospital, clinic or emergency department (ED) for treatment of HF symptoms.

BalanceD-HF

The BalanceD-HF study is a Phase III, international, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, double-dummy, active-controlled, event-driven trial. It aims to evaluate the effect of the combination of balcinrenone and dapagliflozin versus dapagliflozin alone on cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) events in patients with chronic HF and impaired kidney function who have recently experienced an HF event. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: balcinrenone/dapagliflozin 15 mg/10 mg, balcinrenone/dapagliflozin 40 mg/10 mg, or dapagliflozin 10 mg, along with corresponding placebos. The study duration is estimated to be 22 months, and it will be conducted at around 700 sites globally.

BOREALIS

The objective is to evaluate whether once weekly subcutaneous (SC) injection of idrabiotaparinux sodium (biotinylated idraparinux) is at least as efficient to prevent clots in brain and in the other organs than oral international normalized ratio (INR) adjusted-dose warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

CHAMPION

The study is designed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of cangrelor to standard of care in patients require percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

CLEAR OUTCOMES

This is a study in adults with chronic heart failure. People with chronic heart failure may need to be hospitalised for their condition. Some people with chronic heart failure may eventually die from their condition. The purpose of the study is to find out whether a medicine called empagliflozin lowers the chances of patients having to go to hospital for heart failure and whether it improves their survival. The study is open to patients with a type of chronic heart failure called chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

COMPLETE TAVR

The COMPLETE TAVR study is a clinical trial comparing two strategies for patients with severe aortic stenosis and concomitant coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). One group will receive complete revascularization with staged percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using drug-eluting stents, while the other group will receive only medical therapy. The trial aims to determine if PCI can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and hospitalizations compared to medical management alone.

DAL OUTCOMES

This study will evaluate the potential of RO4607381 to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in stable coronary heart disease patients with recent Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and evaluate the long term safety profile of the drug. Eligible patients in stable condition will be randomized to receive either RO4607381 600mg po or placebo po, daily, together with a background of standard medication for ACS (including aspirin, antihypertensives and statins). The anticipated time on study treatment is 2+ years, and the target sample size is 15,600 individuals.

DAL OUTCOMES 2

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study will evaluate the potential of dalcetrapib to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), with CHD risk equivalents or at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. Eligible patients will be randomized to receive either dalcetrapib 600 mg orally daily or placebo orally daily, on a background of contemporary, guidelines-based medical care. Anticipated time on study treatment is 4 years.

DAL PLAQUE

This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the effect of dalcetrapib 600 mg on artherosclerotic disease progression, lipid profile and biomarker profile and long-term safety profile of dalcetrapib in patients with coronary artery disease. Atherosclerotic disease progression will be measured 1. Coronary Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS), Quantitative Coronary Angiography 2. Carotid B-Mode Ultrasound Intima Medial Thickness (IMT) and total plaque volume in subjects undergoing coronary angiography who have coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients will be randomized to receive dalcetrapib 600 mg orally once a day or placebo. The anticipated time on study treatment will be 24 months. The target sample size is 800-1000 patients.

DAPA ACT HF

The DAPA ACT HF-TIMI 68 study is a clinical trial investigating the effect of dapagliflozin on patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. This trial involves patients who have been stabilized during their hospital stay and compares the outcomes of those treated with dapagliflozin versus a placebo. The main goal is to determine if starting dapagliflozin in the hospital can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or worsening heart failure after discharge.

DESCOVER

The DEScover Registry is designed to observe the results of using Drug Eluting Stents (DES) in patients in a real-world setting. The stents being observed are not investigational, that is, they have been approved for use in the general population.

EASi HF Preserved

The EASi-HF study is testing whether a combination of two medicines, BI 690517 and empagliflozin, can help people with heart failure who have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 40% or more. Participants take either both medicines or a placebo and empagliflozin once a day, and their health is regularly monitored to see if the treatment is effective.

EASi HF Reduced

This study is for adults with chronic heart failure (HF) who have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of less than 40%. People can join the study if they have been diagnosed with chronic HF at least 3 months before the study. The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called vicadrostat, in combination with another medicine called empagliflozin, helps people with chronic heart failure.

EMPACT MI

This is a study in adults who had a heart attack (myocardial infarction). The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called empagliflozin helps to lower the chances of having to go to the hospital for heart failure and whether it lowers the chances of dying from cardiovascular disease.

EMPEROR PRESERVED

This is a study in adults with chronic heart failure. People with chronic heart failure may need to be hospitalised for their condition. Some people with chronic heart failure may eventually die from their condition. The purpose of the study is to find out whether a medicine called empagliflozin lowers the chances of patients having to go to hospital for heart failure and whether it improves their survival. The study is open to patients with a type of chronic heart failure called chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

EMPEROR REDUCED

The aim of the study is to investigate the safety and efficacy of empagliflozin versus placebo on top of guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.

EUCLID

A randomized, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre phase IIIb study to compare ticagrelor with clopidogrel treatment on the risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in patients with established Peripheral Artery Disease (EUCLID Examining Use of tiCagreLor In paD)

FINE ARTS

The aim of the TARGET-IV NA trial is to demonstrate the clinical non-inferiority of the Firehawk® rapamycin eluting stent system in comparison to currently approved 2nd generation DES for the treatment of subjects with ischemic heart disease (NSTEMI, recent STEMI (>24 hours from initial presentation and in whom enzyme levels have peaked), unstable angina, and stable coronary disease), with atherosclerotic target lesion(s) in coronary arteries with visually estimated reference vessel diameters ≥2.25 mm and ≤4.0 mm.

FUSION II

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nesiritide administered as serial infusions to heart failure (HF) patients in the outpatient setting.

GRAND 306

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate no excess risk of cardiovascular (CV) composite events exists following long term treatment with TAK-875 compared with placebo.

HCRI-DAPT

The DAPT Study is a double blind randomized controlled trial intended to determine the appropriate duration for dual antiplatelet therapy (the combination of aspirin and a second anti-clotting medication) as well as the safety and effectiveness of dual antiplatelet therapy to protect patients from stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) following the implantation of drug-eluting coronary stents. Similar analysis will be conducted in a smaller cohort of bare metal coronary stent – treated subjects.

HERMES

This study will be done to see if ziltivekimab can be used to treat people living with heart failure and inflammation. Participants will either get ziltivekimab or placebo. Participants will get study medicine for once-monthly injections either in a pre-filled syringe to inject the study medicine into a skinfold or a pen-injector to inject the study medicine into flat skin. The study is expected to last for up to 4 years.

HUYGENS

To evaluate the effect of evolocumab on fibrous cap thickness (FCT) in participants with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) who are taking maximally tolerated statin therapy.

ICE IT

Rapid MI-ICE-Pilot is designed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the Celsius Control™ System (CCS) endovascular catheter to reduce the infarct size resulting from acute anterior myocardial infarction when used in combination with cold saline as an adjunct to immediate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with an occluded infarct-related artery.

ICONIC HF

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the IV Iron treatment ferric derisomaltose helps in the treatment of chronic heart failure in people with iron deficiency.  

ILLUSTRATE

The Torcetrapib project was terminated on December 2, 2006 due to safety findings. To look at ultrasound images taken in the blood vessels of the heart and to look at various lipids in the blood of people with known coronary heart disease

KARDIA 3

This study is testing whether adding a new drug called zilebesiran can help lower blood pressure in patients who have high cardiovascular risk and whose hypertension is not well controlled by current medications. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either zilebesiran or a placebo, and the study aims to determine if zilebesiran is effective and safe as an additional treatment.

LIBREXIA ACS

The purpose of this study is to evaluate that milvexian is superior to placebo, in addition to standard-of-care, in reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) (the composite of cardiovascular [CV] death, myocardial infarction [MI], and ischemic stroke).

MUIR-3

This Phase 3 study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of plozasiran injection (ARO-APOC3) in adult participants with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). After providing informed consent eligible participants will be randomized to receive 4 doses (once every 3 months) of plozasiran or placebo and be evaluated for efficacy and safety.

OCEANIC AF

This study is testing a new blood thinner called asundexian to see if it can prevent strokes and blood clots in people with atrial fibrillation, a condition with an irregular and often rapid heartbeat. Researchers are comparing asundexian to an existing medication, apixaban, to see which one works better and has fewer side effects. Participants will take either asundexian once daily or apixaban twice daily for 9 to 33 months, with regular check-ups to monitor their health.

ODYSSEUS

Evaluate the effect of dronedarone versus placebo (standard therapy) in slowing the progression of adverse left atrial remodeling in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) following 12 months of treatment.

ODYSSEY

To compare the effect of alirocumab with placebo on the occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) events (composite endpoint of coronary heart disease (CHD) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), fatal and non-fatal ischemic stroke, unstable angina (UA) requiring hospitalization) in participants who experienced an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event 4 to 52 weeks prior to randomization and were treated with evidence-based medical and dietary management of dyslipidemia.

OPTIMIZE

XIENCE 90 study is a prospective, single arm, multi-center, open label trial to evaluate the safety of 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in subjects at high risk of bleeding (HBR) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the approved XIENCE family of coronary drug-eluting stents.

PARAGLIDE HF

The effect of sacubitril/valsartan vs. valsartan on changes in NT-proBNP, safety, and tolerability in HFpEF patients with a WHF event (HFpEF decompensation) who have been stabilized and initiated at the time of or within 30 days post-decompensation.

PEGASUS

This study is being carried out to see if a new drug called ticagrelor given twice daily in addition to the ASA therapy decreases the frequency of cardiovascular events (e.g., death from heart disease, heart attack, or stroke).

PIONEER HF

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of in-hospital initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) vs. enalapril on time averaged proportional change in NT-proBNP in patients who have been stabilized following hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%).

PREVAIL

The PREVAIL study is a phase 3 clinical trial investigating the effect of a drug called Obicetrapib in patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD). These patients are already on the highest possible doses of other lipid-lowering therapies but still need better control of their condition. This study is designed to see if Obicetrapib can further reduce the risk of serious heart-related events like heart attacks, strokes, and the need for emergency heart surgeries compared to a placebo.

PRIME HF

The PRIME-HF study is a multi-center, patient-level, randomized, open-label study of approximately 450 patients with reduced (left ventricular ejection fraction) LVEF of ≤ 35% and heart-rate ≥70 beats per minute (bpm) who are being discharged from the hospital following stabilization from acute heart failure (HF)(primary or secondary) and will be randomized to a treatment strategy of predischarge initiation of ivabradine or usual care.

RE-CIRCUIT

The primary objective of this trial is to assess the safety of an uninterrupted dabigatran etexilate periprocedural anticoagulant regimen compared to an uninterrupted warfarin regimen in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) patients undergoing Atrial Fibrillation (AF) ablation in a PROBE (Prospective, randomized, open label, blinded end point) active controlled study.

REDUAL

The main objective of this study is to compare a Dual Antithrombotic Therapy (DAT) regimen of 110mg dabigatran etexilate b.i.d. plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor (110mg dabigatran etexilate (DE) DAT) and 150mg dabigatran etexilate b.i.d. plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor (150mg DE-DAT) with a Triple Antithrombotic Therapy (TAT) combination of warfarin plus clopidogrel or ticagrelor plus Aspirin (ASA) <= 100mg once daily (warfarin-TAT) in patients with Atrial Fibrillation that undergo a PCI with stenting (elective or due to an Acute Coronary Syndrome).

REGULATE PCI

This study is designed to determine the efficacy of REG1 compared to bivalirudin in preventing periprocedural ischemic complications and major bleeding in patients undergoing PCI as a treatment for CAD. Bivalirudin has been studied in patients undergoing PCI in both ACS (NSTEMI and unstable angina [UA]) and elective PCI. In comparison to UFH, bivalirudin has shown similar rates of ischemic events while demonstrating a significant reduction in bleeding and an improved net clinical benefit.

RIGHT

RIGHT is a randomized, prospective, two-arm study that will assess the differential efficacy of VITALITY 2 implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) using Rhythm ID™ versus selected Medtronic ICDs.

SAFE-PCI

The hypothesis of the SAFE-PCI for women trial is that, compared with transfemoral PCI, transradial PCI will result in a significant reduction in bleeding and vascular complications. The primary objective is to compare the efficacy and feasibility of the transradial approach to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in women compared with the transfemoral approach. This study is a multicenter, randomized, open-label active controlled study.

SATURN

A 104-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, multi-center Phase IIIb study comparing the effects of treatment with rosuvastatin 40 mg or atorvastatin 80 mg on atherosclerotic disease burden as measured by intravascular ultrasound in patients with coronary artery disease.

SHASTA

This Phase 3 study will evaluate the safety and efficacy of plozasiran injection (ARO-APOC3) in adult participants with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG). After providing informed consent eligible participants will be randomized to receive 4 doses (once every 3 months) of plozasiran or placebo, and be evaluated for efficacy and safety. After month 12, eligible participants will be offered an opportunity to continue in an optional open-label extension under a separate protocol.

STRADIVARIUS

The purpose of this study is to determine if rimonabant 20 mg once daily (od) administered during 18-20 months will reduce progression of coronary atherosclerosis as assessed by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) when administered on top of standard behavioral and pharmacological therapy given as needed, in patients with abdominal obesity associated with current smoking and/or metabolic syndrome.

STRENGTH

The study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled (corn oil), parallel group design that will enroll approximately 13,000 patients with hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL and high risk for CVD to be randomized 1:1 to either corn oil + statin or Epanova + statin, once daily, for approximately 3-5 years as determined when the number of MACE outcomes is reached.

TARGET IV-NA

The aim of the TARGET-IV NA trial is to demonstrate the clinical non-inferiority of the Firehawk® rapamycin eluting stent system in comparison to currently approved 2nd generation DES for the treatment of subjects with ischemic heart disease (NSTEMI, recent STEMI (>24 hours from initial presentation and in whom enzyme levels have peaked), unstable angina, and stable coronary disease), with atherosclerotic target lesion(s) in coronary arteries with visually estimated reference vessel diameters ≥2.25 mm and ≤4.0 mm. Read Study

THEMIS

A multinational, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIIb trial to evaluate the effect of ticagrelor twice daily on the incidence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

TRA•CER

The study is designed to determine whether vorapaxar, when added to the existing standard of care (eg, aspirin, clopidogrel) for preventing heart attack and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome, will yield additional benefit over the existing standard of care in preventing heart attack and stroke. The study is also designed to assess risk of bleeding with vorapaxar added to the standard of care versus the standard of care alone.

TRANSLATE-ACS

The TReatment with ADP receptor iNhibitorS: Longitudinal Assessment of Treatment Patterns and Events after Acute Coronary Syndrome (TRANSLATE-ACS) study is a prospective, observational longitudinal study to evaluate the real world effectiveness and use of prasugrel and other ADP receptor inhibitor therapies among myocardial infarction (MI) participants treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the index hospitalization. Participant management and treatment decisions are at the discretion of the care team per routine clinical practice. Approximately 17,000 participants will be enrolled at approximately 350 sites in the United States. Follow-up will be conducted through 15 months in approximately 15,650 participants.

TRILOGY ACS

This study will evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of prasugrel and clopidogrel in a medically managed Unstable Angina/Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (UA/NSTEMI) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population (that is, patients who are not managed with acute coronary revascularization).

VICTORION I PREVENT

This study is testing if a drug called inclisiran can prevent major heart problems in people at high risk who haven’t had a major cardiovascular event before. Participants receive either inclisiran or a placebo through a shot on Day 1, Day 90, and every six months. The study aims to see if inclisiran can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, strokes, and urgent heart procedures compared to a placebo.

WARRIOR

This trial is studying whether intensive medication treatment can reduce heart problems in women with symptoms of heart disease but without major artery blockages. This trial involves 4,422 women who will either receive intensive treatment with statins, ACE inhibitors (or ARBs), and aspirin, or usual care. The study aims to see if intensive treatment can lower the risk of death, heart attacks, strokes, or hospitalizations for heart-related issues by 20% compared to usual care.

XIENCE 90

XIENCE 90 study is a prospective, single arm, multi-center, open label trial to evaluate the safety of 3-month dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in subjects at high risk of bleeding (HBR) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with the approved XIENCE family of coronary drug-eluting stents.

XIENCE V® USA

XIENCE V USA is a prospective, multi-center, multi-cohort postapproval study. The objectives of this study are