Ongoing Clinical Trials for Left Ventricular Failure
Currently, there are 3 ongoing clinical trials investigating new treatments for left ventricular failure. These studies are exploring innovative approaches including stem cell therapy, heart medications, and experimental drugs designed to improve heart function after damage from heart attacks. Trials are taking place across multiple European countries, offering opportunities for patients with reduced heart pumping ability to access cutting-edge treatments.
Clinical trial locations
- Belgium
- Czechia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Spain
Study of cardiac atrial stem cells injected into heart muscle for treating advanced heart failure in patients with prior heart attack and reduced heart function
This trial is investigating a novel approach using specialized cardiac atrial stem cells injected directly into damaged heart muscle. The treatment is designed for patients who have experienced a heart attack and now suffer from advanced heart failure with reduced pumping function.
Who can participate: The study is seeking adults over 18 years old who have documented heart attack history with visible scar tissue on MRI scans. Eligible participants must have a heart pumping function between 25% and 45% and require bypass surgery in the affected area. Participants need normal blood test results suitable for surgery, and women of childbearing age must use effective birth control and have negative pregnancy tests.
Who cannot participate: The trial excludes people younger than 18 or older than 65, those with active cancer or cancer history within the past 5 years, and anyone who had a heart attack in the last 30 days. People with severe kidney or liver disease, active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, blood disorders increasing bleeding risk, or recent major surgery within three months are also excluded. Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot participate, nor can those with mental conditions affecting informed consent or substance abuse issues.
Study focus: The research aims to evaluate whether injecting donor-derived cardiac atrial stem cells into damaged heart tissue is safe for patients with advanced heart failure. The surgical procedure delivers these specialized cells directly into areas affected by previous heart attacks. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor patients for heart-related complications and track improvements in heart function using echocardiography and MRI scans. The trial will assess changes in exercise capacity through walking tests and evaluate heart failure symptoms. The study runs from June 2025 through December 2026.
Investigational treatment: The therapy uses cardiac atrial stem cells obtained from donor heart tissue, specifically from the atrial appendage. These allogeneic cells are delivered through intramyocardial injection during surgery, allowing precise placement into damaged heart muscle areas. This cell-based treatment represents an emerging approach in regenerative medicine for cardiac conditions.
Study on the Effects of Dobutamine and Levosimendan in Patients with Heart Failure and Reduced Left Ventricular Function
This clinical trial compares two intravenous medications used to treat heart failure: dobutamine and levosimendan. The study focuses on understanding how these drugs affect the heart and blood vessels in patients whose hearts cannot pump blood effectively.
Who can participate: The study is open to adults over 18 years old with a heart pumping function below 35% as shown on recent echocardiogram. Participants must experience significant limitations in physical activity due to heart failure despite receiving optimal treatment and diuretics. They should have had a recent hospital admission or outpatient treatment for worsening heart failure within the last six months, requiring diuretics and leading to the need for a CardioMEMS monitoring device. All participants must sign an informed consent form.
Who cannot participate: Patients without confirmed heart failure with reduced pumping function are excluded. Those outside the specified age range and individuals considered part of vulnerable populations requiring special research protections cannot participate.
Study focus: The research compares how dobutamine and levosimendan affect pressure within the lungs’ blood vessels and the amount of blood the heart pumps. Participants receive one of these medications intravenously and undergo regular monitoring of heart function and blood pressure. The study includes quality of life assessments and physical tests such as a 6-minute walk test to evaluate physical capabilities. Heart function is assessed through echocardiography and other measurements throughout the study period.
Investigational treatments: Dobutamine works by stimulating the heart’s beta-1 adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart muscle contraction and improved blood flow. Levosimendan increases the heart muscle’s sensitivity to calcium, helping the heart pump more effectively without using more energy. Both medications are administered intravenously and classified as inotropic agents that strengthen heart contractions.
Study on the Effects of CDR132L in Patients with Reduced Heart Function After a Heart Attack
This international trial is testing an experimental medication called CDR132L in patients who have experienced a heart attack and now have reduced heart function. The study evaluates whether this new treatment can improve heart pumping ability and reduce symptoms associated with heart failure.
Who can participate: The study seeks men and women aged 30 to 80 who have experienced a spontaneous acute heart attack within the past 14 days. Eligible participants must have a heart pumping function of 45% or less as measured by echocardiogram after the heart attack. People with a history of previous heart attacks can participate. Participants must weigh 120 kg or less and have NT-proBNP blood test levels between 125 pg/ml and 8000 pg/ml at screening. They must have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention to open blocked heart arteries for their recent heart attack.
Who cannot participate: Patients with very recent heart attacks or those experiencing acute heart failure on the left side of the heart are excluded. Those not receiving standard care treatment for their condition cannot participate, nor can individuals considered part of vulnerable populations.
Study focus: The trial randomly assigns participants to one of three groups: low-dose CDR132L, higher-dose CDR132L, or placebo. The medication is administered through intravenous infusion three times, with doses given 28 days apart. Throughout the study, participants undergo various health assessments including heart imaging tests and blood tests to track progress and monitor for side effects. The research aims to determine if CDR132L can improve heart function and reduce heart failure symptoms.
Investigational treatment: CDR132L is an experimental Phase 2 medication delivered directly into the bloodstream through IV infusion. It is designed to improve heart function by targeting specific molecules involved in heart muscle repair and function, although the exact mechanism is still under investigation. The doses being tested are 5 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg body weight.
Summary
These three clinical trials represent different therapeutic approaches to treating left ventricular failure. The stem cell therapy trial in Belgium offers a regenerative medicine approach for patients with severe heart damage from previous heart attacks. The Spanish study comparing dobutamine and levosimendan provides options for patients with advanced heart failure requiring inotropic support. The multi-country CDR132L trial, spanning seven European nations, represents the broadest geographical reach and tests an entirely new experimental medication for recent heart attack survivors.
All three studies focus on patients with significantly reduced heart pumping function, typically below 45%. The trials vary in their timing relative to heart damage: the CDR132L study targets patients within 14 days of a heart attack, while the stem cell and medication comparison studies address more established heart failure. Patients interested in participating should consult with their cardiologists to determine which trial best matches their specific condition and treatment timeline.