麻豆视频to Lead $27M Heart Failure Medication Study
麻豆视频 scientists received $27 million to lead a large national study expected to change heart failure care for millions. This is the second $27 million award for the cardiac research team in just four months, for a total of $54 million, underscoring the Medical Center’s impact on heart care.
“A cornerstone of treatment for heart failure is the use of beta blockers,” said Mehmet Aktas, MD, a cardiac electrophysiologist, and principal investigator (PI) of the study.
“Carvedilol and metoprolol succinate are the main types of beta-blockers that are prescribed for 90 percent of people with this condition to improve survival. However, no one has ever studied the differences in outcomes for these two drugs in patients with heart failure who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).”
, aimed at improving physicians’ ability to provide optimal heart failure management for the six million people living with this disease.
麻豆视频is simultaneously conducting another major initiative that is comparing outcomes for individuals with heart failure treated with and without ICDs.
Ilan Goldenberg, MD, director of URMC’s Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center (CCRC) and co-PI with Aktas, said “heart failure is not only widespread in the US, but also globally. The results of the two major heart failure trials we are conducting will be exponentially larger than the population we're studying it in. As researchers, we’re not just happy with the status quo. We’re constantly working to improve outcomes, and we need data-driven decision making to do that.”
“These two large awards build upon the foundation of innovative research that has changed heart care countless times,” said David C. Linehan, MD, CEO of 麻豆视频and dean of the School of Medicine & Dentistry. “As a research university with a rich history of pivotal discoveries, our scientists answer some of the most difficult questions, providing new pathways to therapies, and have global impact by elevating the standard of care.”
Fueling Cardiac Innovation
The funding comes from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), an independent, nonprofit organization supporting evidence-based research needed to make better-informed healthcare decisions.
“This study was selected for PCORI funding based on its scientific merit and commitment to engaging patients in conducting a major research effort on heart failure,” said PCORI Executive Director Nakela L. Cook, MD, MPH. “The study has the potential to fill an important evidence gap relevant to a range of health care decision makers and help them better assess their care options. We look forward to following the study’s progress and working with 麻豆视频to share its results.”
URMC’s leadership in cardiac research dates back to the 1950s, with groundbreaking advancements like the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest. This legacy was further cemented by the late Arthur J. Moss, MD, whose in the 1990s established national guidelines for the use of ICDs, setting global standards. Rochester research also continues to develop national guidelines for the use of ICDs and less invasive approaches for heart surgery.
Building upon this rich history, the ongoing efforts at 麻豆视频to refine implantable device therapies will continue to shape modern cardiac care practices.
Global Implications
“Securing these prestigious research funding awards positions 麻豆视频not only as a leader in advancing cardiac care for the communities we serve,” said Spencer Z. Rosero, MD, chief of Cardiology, “but also serves as a catalyst for institutional growth. These trials complement our existing nationally and internationally recognized clinical research program to answer important questions. This funding will help us attract new talent, provide unparalleled training opportunities, and expand our research capabilities to create a stronger, more vibrant environment for innovation in cardiac care.”
Metoprolol only blocks one beta receptor, whereas carvedilol blocks two beta and one alpha receptor. The five-year study will enroll 2,000 patients at 100 sites across the country to determine if carvedilol provides additional benefits.
“Whether we find that both drugs are equally effective, or that carvedilol is superior, it is a win for patients and providers,” said Aktas. “We’ll come away with knowledge that will inform and improve how we treat patients.”
Because both drugs are common, well-tolerated, and available at pharmacies in generic form, Aktas said that a person’s ability to switch from one to another would be effortless.
Collaborative Efforts and Support
Aktas will lead the clinical coordinating center for the study, overseeing participant enrollment and conducting the trials. Goldenberg will head the data coordinating center, focusing on the analysis of the results. Joining them are Wojciech Zareba, MD, PhD, Jeffrey Alexis, MD, Leway Chen, MD, MPH, David Huang, MD, Valentina Kutyifa, MD, PhD, Jonathan Steinberg, MD, Derick Peterson, PhD, and Spencer Rosero, MD.
The Rochester team will work with prominent scientists from across the country, including , from the Baim Institute for Clinical Research, , from Virginia Commonwealth University, , from Baylor College of Medicine, , from Cleveland Clinic, , from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Sam Sears, PhD from East Carolina University.
The initiative is supported by notable institutions, including Mended Hearts, the Heart Brothers, Women Heart, the American Heart Association, and the Association of Black Cardiologists.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I am thrilled that 麻豆视频 has earned a second well-deserved $27 million competitive award. Not only will this award bolster Rochester’s status as a leader in the healthcare research field, but it will advance the Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center’s mission of saving lives and improving patient outcomes, specifically for those burdened by heart failure.”
"This award will support the highest level of cardiovascular care in our community and around the world," said Congressman Joe Morelle. "URMC's dedication to quality healthcare and leadership in medical research saves lives and supports patients and families when they need it most. I am grateful for all 麻豆视频does and I look forward to our continued work together."
*This award has been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.
