People with Moderate Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis have a heart valve that becomes thick and stiff, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body. The study is testing an oral medication called Ataciguat, which is taken as a capsule each day, and comparing it with a placebo that looks the same but contains no active drug.
The purpose of the study is to find out whether the medication can slow the narrowing of the valve and improve the ability to exercise. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the study drug or the placebo for about a year, with regular clinic visits. During the study, doctors will use an echocardiogram (an ultrasound picture of the heart) to see how big the valve opening is, and a peak VO2 test, measured during a CPET (a breathing and heart test done while exercising), to check how well the body uses oxygen. A CT scan (a detailed X‑ray picture) will also be performed to look at calcium buildup in the valve. If the valve becomes too narrow, doctors may discuss procedures such as TAVR (a catheter‑based valve replacement) or SAVR (surgical valve replacement).
Throughout the trial, participants will be monitored for any side effects, and safety checks will be done at each visit. The study team will collect information about health changes and any additional treatments needed, while keeping participants’ personal information confidential.
Austria 
Czechia 
France 
Norway 
Poland 
Portugal 
Spain 