Can a cholesterol drug flush out toxic PFAS from firefighters?
NCT ID NCT07226440
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether colesevelam, a drug used for high cholesterol, can reduce levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in the blood of firefighters who have high exposure. Fifty male firefighters will take either the drug or a placebo for 12 weeks, then switch. The main goals are to see if the drug is acceptable and if it lowers PFAS levels.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Colesevelam (a bile acid sequestrant, also known as Welchol)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce harmful PFAS chemicals in people with high exposure, potentially lowering long-term health risks.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may not significantly lower PFAS levels, and side effects like stomach upset are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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UCSF Osher Center for Integrative Health
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94115, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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