Heart Disease & Cardiology Clinical Trials Update: Week 16, 2026

Published April 17, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert

ARTEMIS - A Research Study to Look at How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in People With a Heart Attack

This large Phase 3 trial is testing ziltivekimab, a new injectable medication, in people who have recently had a heart attack. The goal is to see if ziltivekimab can reduce the chance of having another heart attack or stroke by slowing down the progression of heart disease. With about 10,000 participants worldwide and a study length of around two years, this research could offer an important new treatment option for patients recovering from a heart attack.

Study of Inclisiran to Prevent Cardiovascular (CV) Events in Participants With Established Cardiovascular Disease

This ongoing Phase 3 study is evaluating inclisiran, a medicine designed to lower the risk of major heart problems in people already diagnosed with cardiovascular disease. The treatment is given infrequently, which may make it easier for patients to manage compared to daily medications. Although the study is not currently recruiting, it involves thousands of patients across many countries and could provide a new way to reduce heart attacks and strokes.

ZEUS - A Research Study to Look at How Ziltivekimab Works Compared to Placebo in People With Cardiovascular Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease and Inflammation

This Phase 3 trial is testing the effects of ziltivekimab in people who have a combination of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation. These conditions together increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. If successful, the monthly injections of ziltivekimab could become a new treatment option to help reduce these risks for patients with these complex health issues. The study is happening worldwide and will take up to four years to complete.

Lp(a) Lowering Study of Pelacarsen (TQJ230) in US Black/African American and Hispanic Participants With Elevated Lp(a) and Established ASCVD

This Phase 3 study focuses on Black/African American and Hispanic adults who have high levels of Lp(a), a type of cholesterol linked to heart disease, along with established cardiovascular disease. The study is testing pelacarsen, an injectable drug that could lower heart disease risk in these populations. This research is especially important because these groups are often underrepresented in clinical trials. Enrollment is complete, and results are expected soon.

Intravascular Imaging Study of the Effect of Inclisiran on Plaque in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

This Phase 4 study is exploring how inclisiran affects plaque buildup in the arteries of patients who recently had a heart attack and have high LDL cholesterol. Using advanced imaging techniques, researchers are measuring changes in artery plaque to understand how the drug might reduce the risk of future heart problems. The study is currently recruiting participants in China and may help clarify new ways to manage heart disease after a heart attack.

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