Study of pelacarsen and inclisiran in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who have high levels of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a)

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What is this study about?

This study focuses on people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition where arteries become narrowed due to buildup of fatty deposits. The study will test two medications: pelacarsen (also known as TQJ230) and inclisiran. These medications are designed to help lower harmful types of cholesterol and fat-like substances in the blood, specifically LDL-cholesterol and a substance called Lp(a).

The purpose of this research is to determine if pelacarsen, when used together with inclisiran, can effectively reduce levels of Lp(a) in the blood. During the study, participants will receive either pelacarsen or placebo as an injection under the skin, while all participants will receive inclisiran. Both medications will be given through pre-filled syringes with safety devices.

The study will last for approximately 12 months. Throughout this time, participants will need to continue taking their regular heart medications. Doctors will monitor participants’ health through regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure safety and measure how well the treatment is working.

1 Initial screening

You will undergo initial screening to confirm eligibility for the study. The screening includes blood tests to check your Lp(a) levels (must be ≥175 nmol/L) and LDL-C levels (must be >70 mg/dL).

Your medical history will be reviewed to confirm you have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which includes heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, or peripheral arterial disease.

2 Run-in period with inclisiran

You will receive background treatment with inclisiran, a medication given by injection under the skin.

You must complete this initial treatment period successfully to continue in the study.

3 Randomization and baseline visit

You will be randomly assigned to receive either pelacarsen (TQJ230) or a placebo (inactive substance).

Both medications will be given as injections under the skin.

You will continue receiving inclisiran throughout the study.

4 Treatment period

The study will continue for several months, with a key assessment at month 6.

Regular check-ups will include:

Blood tests to monitor Lp(a) levels

Safety monitoring through blood tests, heart tracings (ECGs), and vital signs

Assessment of any side effects or health changes

5 Six-month evaluation

At month 6, your Lp(a) levels will be measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

The goal is to determine if the treatment helps reduce Lp(a) levels below 125 nmol/L.

6 Ongoing monitoring

Throughout the study, you will be monitored for any side effects or safety concerns.

Regular assessments will include blood tests, heart tracings, and vital sign measurements.

The study is expected to continue until September 2028.

Who Can Join the Study?

  • Age between 18 and 80 years old at the time of screening
  • Must have confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which includes at least one of these conditions:
    – Coronary heart disease (problems with blood vessels supplying the heart)
    – Cerebrovascular disease (problems with blood vessels supplying the brain)
    – Peripheral arterial disease (problems with blood circulation in the legs)
  • Must be taking stable doses of cholesterol-lowering medications for at least 30 days before screening
  • Must complete a trial period of treatment with inclisiran (a cholesterol-lowering medication)
  • Must be on standard treatments for other heart-related conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes for at least 30 days before starting the study
  • Must have Lipoprotein(a) levels of 175 nmol/L or higher in blood tests at screening (Lipoprotein(a) is a type of cholesterol-carrying particle in the blood)
  • Must have LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dL (or above 1.8 mmol/L) in blood tests at screening (LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol)

Who Cannot Join the Study?

  • Age below 18 years or above 80 years
  • Known allergies or hypersensitivity to the study medication (pelacarsen or inclisiran) or any of their components
  • History of severe allergic reactions to any medications
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Active liver disease or significant liver function abnormalities
  • Severe kidney disease (poor kidney function)
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure (readings consistently above 160/100 mmHg)
  • Recent heart attack or stroke (within past 3 months)
  • Major surgery within the past 3 months
  • Currently participating in another clinical trial
  • Any condition that, in the opinion of the study doctor, would make it unsafe to participate
  • Unable to provide informed consent
  • History of bleeding disorders or current use of blood-thinning medications
  • Active cancer or cancer treatment within the past 5 years
  • Unstable heart conditions requiring frequent medication adjustments

Where you can join this trial?

Verified and Recommended Sites

No sites found in this category

Verified Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Centre Hospitalier De Beziers Beziers France
Hospital Universitario De Navarra Pamplona Spain
ze:ro Praxen MVZ fuer Nierenerkrankungen und Bluthochdruck GmbH Mannheim Mannheim Germany
IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital Rozzano Italy
Hospital Universitario De Salamanca Salamanca Spain
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Bordeaux Bordeaux France
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Lille Lille France
Gesundheitsverbund Landkreis Konstanz gGmbH Singen (Hohentwiel) Germany
Oncopole Claudius Regaud Toulouse France
CHU Grenoble Alpes La Tronche France

Other Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Haga Hospital Hague The Netherlands
Centro Cardiologico Monzino S.p.A. Milan Italy
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Poitiers Poitiers France
Robert Bosch Krankenhaus GmbH Stuttgart Germany
Hospital Santa Maria Della Misericordia Perugia Italy
Klinische Forschung Hannover-Mitte GmbH Hanover Germany
Hausaerztlich-Kardiologisches MVZ Am Felsenkeller GmbH Dresden Germany
Ospedale Mater Salutis Di Legnago Legnago Italy
Medisch Spectrum Twente Enschede The Netherlands
El Hospital Universitario De Gran Canaria Dr. Negrin Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Spain
Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria San Giovanni Di Dio E Ruggi d’Aragona Salerno Italy
Klinikum Bielefeld gGmbH Bielefeld Germany
Hospital Quironsalud Barcelona Barcelona Spain
Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est Arezzo Italy
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Montpellier Montpellier France
Universita’ Politecnica Delle Marche Ancona Italy
Universidade De Santiago De Compostela Santiago De Compostela Spain
Hospital General Universitario De Valencia Valencia Spain
Hopital Saint Joseph Marseille France
Centre Hospitalier De Cholet Cholet France
Azienda Ospedaliera Sant Anna E San Sebastiano Di Caserta Caserta Italy
Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud Pierre Benite France
Hopital Beaujon Clichy France
Institut fuer Diabetesforschung Muenster GmbH Munster Germany
Instituto Medico Quirurgico San Rafael S.A. A Coruna Galicia Spain
Universitaetsklinikum Leipzig AöR Leipzig Germany
MVZ Diabeteszentrum Dr. Tews GmbH Gelnhausen Germany
Mtf at Kzmxenfzy Gcol armmhacmkk Haadobhczty Chemnitz Germany
Snzbd Mvuws Dwwpz Aarveg Hucdzlio Pordenone Italy
Ddzfycxdzu Phnspvi Potsdam Germany
Adwrxroug Urg Amsterdam The Netherlands
Ssowybqhvmiumfcazr dgi kxyqntebvunomyj Pkldwfzuxqxdwfvtwz Gffx Berlin Germany
Hcftjyaa Ivsczhl Edmjx Huelva Spain

Want to learn more about this study or check if you can participate? Contact us.

Trial status

Country Status Recruitment Start
France France
Recruiting
16.03.2026
Germany Germany
Recruiting
16.03.2026
Italy Italy
Recruiting
16.03.2026
Spain Spain
Recruiting
16.03.2026
The Netherlands The Netherlands
Recruiting
16.03.2026

Trial locations

Investigated drugs:

Pelacarsen (also known as TQJ230) is a medication being studied to reduce high levels of lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), in the blood. This type of protein is associated with increased risk of heart and blood vessel diseases. The medication is designed to specifically target and lower Lp(a) levels in patients who have existing cardiovascular disease.

Inclisiran is a medication used to lower LDL cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol) in the blood. In this study, it is used as a background treatment for all participants who have high LDL cholesterol levels. It works by helping the liver remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) – A condition where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside the arteries, causing them to narrow and harden over time. The process begins when cholesterol and other substances accumulate in the arterial walls, leading to inflammation and gradual thickening of these vessels. As the disease progresses, blood flow becomes restricted in various parts of the body, particularly in the heart and brain. The plaque buildup occurs gradually over many years and can affect multiple arteries throughout the body. This disease can develop due to various factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors. ASCVD typically develops silently over decades before becoming noticeable.

Trial ID:
2024-516356-18-00
Protocol code:
CTQJ230A12304
Trial Phase:
Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

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