Heart Disease & Cardiology Clinical Trials Update: Week 18, 2026

Published May 1, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

A Study to Test the Effect of Survodutide (BI 456906) on Cardiovascular Safety in People With Overweight or Obesity (SYNCHRONIZE™ - CVOT)

This Phase 3 study is exploring survodutide, a new injectable medicine aimed at adults with overweight or obesity who also have cardiovascular or kidney disease. If the treatment proves successful, it could provide a new option to reduce serious heart problems and improve overall health for people facing risks related to weight. Participants in this global study receive weekly injections and lifestyle support over about two years.

Early Treatment With a Sodium-glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitor in High-risk Patients With Acute Heart Failure

This Phase 3 trial is testing empagliflozin, an oral medication, in patients hospitalized with acute heart failure. The goal is to find out if early treatment with this drug can lower the chance of being readmitted to the hospital and improve health outcomes for those at high risk of complications. The study is currently recruiting patients in Japan.

Enlicitide Decanoate (MK-0616 Oral PCSK9 Inhibitor) Cardiovascular Outcomes Study (MK-0616-015) CORALreef Outcomes

This large Phase 3 study is evaluating enlicitide decanoate, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, for people who are at high risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. If successful, this pill could offer a convenient new way to lower the risk of serious heart problems. The study is active worldwide but not currently recruiting, with results expected after extensive participation.

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 ziltivekimab, an injectable antibody treatment, for people living with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and inflammation. The study aims to see if ziltivekimab can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in this group. It involves many sites globally and is active but not recruiting, with results anticipated in up to four years.

Zilebesiran in Patients With Hypertension Not Adequately Controlled and With Either Established Cardiovascular Disease or High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

This Phase 3 trial is examining zilebesiran, a new RNA-based treatment, for adults with high blood pressure who also have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk for it. If effective, this treatment could help lower the chances of major heart-related events like heart attacks and strokes. The study is recruiting worldwide and plans to enroll over 11,000 participants, with results expected once enough cardiovascular events occur.

TrialsAlert subscribers received the full impact-classified briefing and doctor-ready report this week. Get weekly briefings at trialsalert.com.