The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation (MHIF) is part of a national
clinical trial to evaluate a new non-surgical treatment for patients
with severe coronary artery disease. This important research study is
examining a genetically engineered form of a naturally occurring protein
that may stimulate new blood vessel growth in adults for whom coronary
bypass surgery or angioplasty is not an option. The injectable drug is
called fibroblast growth factor (rFGF-2).
The goal of the clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
this treatment in humans and to define the optimum doseage. Patients
involved in the study are being followed for six months after treatment
to measure changes in their ability to exercise, their frequency of
angina, and their quality of life. In addition, changes in cardiac blood
flow and contraction will be measured.
MHIF's Jay Traverse, M.D. is excited that the Foundation is involved in
the evaluation of such a promising compound. "Current treatments for
patients with coronary artery disease often involve surgery," Dr.
Traverse points out. "The development of a non-surgical option for these
patients is very compelling."
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 12 million
Americans suffer from coronary artery disease - the progressive
narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries which results in an
inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, a process also known
as atherosclerosis. In patients with coronary artery disease, the body's
own FGF production (the naturally occurring protein) may not be
sufficient to promote growth of vessels to compensate for the blockage
of coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis. Some patients can be
treated with drugs to reduce symptoms or lower blood cholesterol.
However, many patients with severe symptoms require percutaneous
angioplasty or surgical coronary artery bypass grafting - invasive
procedures that often need to be repeated. There continues to be a need
for other treatment options.
Patients interested in more information on this clinical trial should
contact the Foundation at 612/863-3793.
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