Intravascular ultrasound assessment of novel antiatherosclerotic therapies: Rationale and design of the Acyl-CoA:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Intravascular Atherosclerosis Treatment Evaluation (ACTIVATE) Study

Stephen J. Nicholls, Ilke Sipahi, Paul Schoenhagen, Lisa Wisniewski, Tammy Churchill, Timothy Crowe, Marlene Goormastic, Kathy Wolski, E. Murat Tuzcu, Steven E. Nissen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Inhibiting the enzyme acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) has beneficial effects on foam cell formation and therefore has the potential to favorably influence the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to determine whether ACAT inhibition, when added to usual medical care, reduces atheroma progression in subjects with coronary artery disease. Methods: Five hundred thirty-four subjects with established coronary artery disease on angiography were randomized to receive the experimental ACAT inhibitor, pactimibe, 100 mg daily or matching placebo for 18 months. The primary efficacy parameter will be the nominal change in percent atheroma volume determined by analysis of pullback intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images of matched coronary artery segments acquired at baseline and 18-month follow-up. In addition, the effect of pactimibe on plasma lipids and inflammatory markers and the incidence of clinical cardiovascular events will also be assessed. Conclusion: Serial IVUS has emerged as a sensitive imaging modality to assess the impact that novel antiatherosclerotic strategies have on the arterial wall. In this study, IVUS will be used to assess whether ACAT inhibition modifies progression of atherosclerotic plaque.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)67-74
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican Heart Journal
Volume152
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jul 2006
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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