New cholesterol medicine for unstable carotid plaque
Part of Brain & nervous system, Heart & circulation clinical trials.
This study tests a new class of cholesterol-lowering medicine (PCSK9 inhibitor) to see if it can make unstable plaques in the carotid artery more stable, reducing the risk of stroke. If you have carotid narrowing and high LDL despite statins, this might help prevent future problems.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You have a 30% or more narrowing (stenosis) in the carotid artery, found on an ultrasound, and you have not had surgery or a stent for it.
- An MRI shows that the narrowing is due to an unstable plaque – for example, a thin cap, a large fatty core, bleeding inside the plaque, or new blood vessels.
- You have been taking a statin (cholesterol medicine) for at least 3 months, but your LDL (bad cholesterol) is still 70 mg/dL or higher.
- You are not allergic to PCSK9 inhibitors, and you do not have active liver disease, muscle problems (myopathy), or severely elevated creatine kinase.
- You do not have severe kidney disease (eGFR below 30) and you have no MRI contraindications like metal implants or claustrophobia.
- You are expected to live at least 3 more years.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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