Ad5.hAC6 Gene Transfer for CHF

Title: Ad5.hAC6 Gene Transfer for CHF

 

 

Study Sponsor: National Institutes of Health

 

Study Synopsis: This research study is being conducted to find out:

 

1) whether gene transfer using an agent called Ad5.AC6(adenovirus-5 encoding adenylyl cyclase type 6) can be given safely to patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and,

2) whether this agent may be of benefit in heart failure.

 

Gene transfer is an idea in which genes are introduced into cells and the cells then produce the specific protein that the gene directs, in this case, a protein known as adenylyl cyclase type 6 (AC6). The gene is carried into the heart cells by a modified virus.  The virus that is modified is an adenovirus (Ad5), a virus that sometimes causes a brief cold. The adenovirus is modified so that it cannot reproduce itself and therefore is far less likely to cause a cold.  In an animal experiment, it was found that increased amounts of AC6 protein in heart cells appeared to make the heart pump more vigorously.

 

Study Status:  Open for enrollment

 

How do I qualify? We will consider patients with decreased heart function for any reason. This is often called congestive heart failure (CHF). CHF or decreased heart function means your heart can't pump enough blood to meet your body's needs, and causes you to have symptoms such as: shortness of breath and fatigue with activity.