The University of Rochester Medical Center’s experience in heart care just got a giant boost with $27 million for a national study. It is the second award for the URMC cardiac research team in four months, bringing the total to $54 million.
Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the study is the first large-scale, head-to-head comparison of two heart failure drugs. It aims to improve physicians’ ability to provide optimal heart failure management for the 6 million people with the condition, URMC says.
“These two large awards build upon the foundation of innovative research that has changed heart care countless times,” says David Linehan M.D., CEO of URMC and dean of the School of Medicine and 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.”
Heart failure is typically treated with beta blockers, says Mehmet Aktas M.D., a cardiac electrophysiologist, and principal investigator of the study.
Beta blockers manage abnormal heart rhythms, angina and heart failure by blocking the release of adrenaline, allowing the heart to beat with less force and can also improve blood flow. While there are a few beta blockers, most heart failure patients are prescribed carvedilol and metoprolol succinate to improve survival.
The five-year study will enroll 2,000 patients at 100 sites nationwide to determine if carvedilol provides other benefits.
“Whether we find that both drugs are equally effective, or that carvedilol is superior, it is a win for patients and providers,” says Aktas. “We’ll come away with knowledge that will inform and improve how we treat patients.”
Since these drugs are available in generic form and are well-tolerated, he says, patients could switch from one to another easily.
Aktas notes that “no one has ever studied the differences in outcomes for these two drugs in patients with heart failure who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs).”
The medical center is also comparing outcomes for individuals with heart failure treated with and without ICDs in another large study.
“Heart failure is not only widespread in the U.S., but also globally,” says Ilan Goldenberg M.D., director of URMC’s Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center and co-PI with Aktas. “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.”
URMC’s work in the cardiac research realm has a long history including the development of cardiopulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest. Arthur Moss M.D.’s efforts to establish guidelines for the use of ICDs are well known. Moss, who died in 2018, made breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of sudden cardiac death.
“Securing these prestigious research funding awards positions URMC not only as a leader in advancing cardiac care for the communities we serve,” said Spencer Rosero M.D., 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,” he added, “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.”
Nakela Cook M.D., executive director of PCORI, says the study was selected based on its scientific merit and the commitment to engage patients in a major research effort on heart failure.
“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,” Cook said.
The award has been approved pending completion of a business and programmatic review by PCORI staff and issuance of a formal award contract.
Aktas will lead the clinical coordinating center for the study, overseeing participant enrollment and conducting the trials, officials say. Goldenberg will head the data coordinating center, focusing on the analysis of the results. Several others join them in the study and the Rochester team will work with scientists from across the country at institutions including the Baim Institute for Clinical Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Baylor College of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and East Carolina University.
Lawmakers also applauded URMC’s leadership in cardiac care. Sen. Charles Schumer pointed to the ability to advance the Clinical Cardiovascular Research Center’s mission of saving lives and improving patient outcomes, specifically for those burdened by heart failure.”
Rep. Joseph Morelle said: “This award will support the highest level of cardiovascular care in our community and around the world.”
Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. The Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. Submissions to the Letters page should be sent to [email protected].