Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol plaques in artery walls, underlying most heart attacks and strokes. Statins and newer drugs like PCSK9 inhibitors can dramatically lower cholesterol, but plaques still rupture in many people. Researchers are now targeting inflammation, plaque stability, and the earliest stages of artery disease.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing anti-inflammatory drugs that address the immune response driving plaque formation, imaging studies tracking plaque changes over time, and drugs aimed at removing cholesterol from existing plaques. PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran are being studied in broader populations, and researchers are investigating why some people develop plaques despite normal cholesterol levels.
Inflammation targeting
Drugs that reduce inflammation—like colchicine and antibodies targeting interleukin pathways—are being tested to prevent heart attacks by stabilizing plaques. Early trials show inflammation may matter as much as cholesterol levels.
Lipoprotein(a) lowering
New drugs aim to reduce lipoprotein(a), a genetic risk factor for atherosclerosis that statins don't touch. Trials are testing whether lowering Lp(a) reduces heart attacks in people with high inherited levels.
Plaque regression
Studies are using advanced imaging to see if aggressive cholesterol lowering can actually shrink plaques. Some trials combine PCSK9 inhibitors with other drugs to push LDL cholesterol below 20 mg/dL.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on cardiovascular history, cholesterol levels, presence of plaque on imaging, and genetic factors like familial hypercholesterolemia or elevated lipoprotein(a).
What types of trials are currently open
- Prevention trials — Testing whether new drugs reduce heart attacks and strokes in people with atherosclerosis. These often run for years to count cardiovascular events.
- Cholesterol-lowering trials — Studying newer agents like PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran, and bempedoic acid to see how far cholesterol can safely drop and whether lower is always better.
- Imaging studies — Using coronary CT or intravascular ultrasound to measure whether treatments shrink or stabilize plaques, providing faster answers than waiting for heart attacks.
- Anti-inflammatory trials — Testing drugs that calm the immune response in artery walls, such as colchicine or targeted antibodies, to prevent plaque rupture.
- Genetic and biomarker studies — Following people with specific genetic traits—like high Lp(a) or familial hypercholesterolemia—to understand who benefits most from aggressive treatment.
Recently added Atherosclerosis trials
Take a diabetes medication to help slow coronary artery disease
This study is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial to test whether an SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin), a type of diabetes medication, can slow down or even reverse the progression of coronary atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the coronary arteries) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The effect may be mediated by improving the function of perivascular adipose tissue. A total of 144 adults with type 2 diabetes and stable coronary artery disease will be randomly assigned to receive either dapagliflozin plus standard diabetes and cardiovascular care (intervention group) or standard care alone (control group) for 18 months. Serial coronary CT angiography and other assessments will be performed to evaluate changes in coronary plaque volume, CT-derived fractional flow reserve, perivascular fat radiomics score, and various metabolic and inflammatory markers, to determine whether SGLT2 inhibition reduces cardiovascular risk.
Radial Access Data in Vascular Interventions Registry
The RADIUS study is a prospective observational registry designed to collect real-world data regarding radial and ulnar artery access in percutaneous vascular interventions. The study aims to evaluate procedural characteristics, access-site complications, procedural success, and short-term clinical outcomes associated with transradial and transulnar vascular access. Patients undergoing routine percutaneous vascular interventions via radial or ulnar artery access at Mersin Medical Park Hospital will be consecutively enrolled. Demographic, clinical, angiographic, procedural, and post-procedural data will be prospectively collected and analyzed. The study was initially designed as a single-center registry; however, following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, expansion into a multicenter registry with participating centers is planned. This study is observational in nature and does not involve any experimental treatment, device, or intervention beyond standard clinical care.
Find Atherosclerosis trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.