Heart drug trial pulled before it even started
NCT ID NCT04306237
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This was a planned Phase 2 study to test whether the drug IMB-1018972 could safely help people with refractory angina—chest pain that doesn't improve with standard treatments. The study aimed to measure exercise capacity, angina symptoms, and activity levels. However, the trial was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no data were collected.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- IMB-1018972
- What this could lead to
- If it worked, this drug could improve exercise ability and reduce chest pain for people with refractory angina.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no results exist. Even if tested, it was an early Phase 2 study with uncertain benefits and potential side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Started
-
May 2020
- Expected to finish
-
Apr 2025
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 85 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Is between the ages of 18 and 85 years, inclusive. 2. Is capable of understanding the written informed consent, and providing signed, dated, and witnessed written informed consent. 3. Has complied with and is willing to continue to comply with the specified procedures (eg, angina diary during screening) and complete specific follow-up evaluations. 4. Has coronary artery disease confirmed by at least one of the following: * Documented prior MI, CABG surgery, or PCI -OR- * Angiography performed within the 24 months prior to Visit 1 confirming CAD (eg, evidence of ≥70% stenosis of at least one major coronary artery or diffuse CAD). 5. Has evidence of stress induced ischemia documented by either: * Protocol-specified ETT ECG demonstrating at least 0.5 mm exercise-induced ST segment depression with onset \<9 minutes on at least 1 of the screening ETTs -OR- * Prior evidence of stress-induced reversible perfusion defect in the last 24 months (without intervening revascularization) identified by at least one of the following: * Radionuclide imaging study * Echocardiographic imaging study * FFR \<0.8 * IFR \<0.89 * FFR CT \<0.8 * CFR \<2.5 6. Has a minimum 3 month history of exertional angina, including angina with a minimum frequency of 2 anginal episodes per week on average for the 2 weeks prior to enrolling in the study while on optimal guideline directed medical therapy for their angina. 7. Is on optimal, dual agent, antianginal therapy for their angina for at least 1 month prior to the first screening ETT. Consistent with ACC/AHA and ESC Class I guideline directed medical therapy (GDMT), criteria for optimal therapy include treatment with both: (a) a beta-adrenergic blocking agent and treatment with (b) a calcium channel blocker OR a long-acting nitrate. If unacceptable side effects are intolerable and documented with a therapy listed in (a) or (b), treatment with only 1 antianginal medication is acceptable. Additionally, patients should be treated with short-acting nitrates per GDMT. 8. Is currently not clinically indicated for coronary revascularization (ie, PCI or CABG) in the opinion of the principle investigator at the time of screening through 6 months after randomization. 9. Has a CCS score of II, III or stabilized IV for 1 month prior to screening. 10. Meets the following requirements after 2 screening modified Bruce protocol ETTs: a. Stopping the treadmill test due to angina on each test b. Total exercise duration must fall between 3 and 9 minutes on each test c. To document inducible myocardial ischemia: i. For those patients with interpretable ECGs, at least 0.5 mm exercise induced ST segment depression must occur with onset \<9 minutes on at least 1 of the screening ETTs. d. Difference in TED between the 2 qualifying ETTs must not exceed 20% of the longer test or 1 minute, whichever limit is smaller. e. Consideration of a third ETT may be discussed by the investigator with the study medical monitor, who may authorize the performance of a third ETT a minimum of 5 days and no more than 10 days after the second ETT Exclusion Criteria: 1. If any of the following have occurred: * Use of TMZ anytime in prior history * In the prior 6 months: * Diagnosis of NYHA Class 3 or 4 (heart failure) * Hospitalization for heart failure * Coronary artery bypass graft surgery * Cardiac resynchronization therapy placement or adjustments to CRT parameters * Implantable cardioverter defibrillator or biventricular pacemaker placement * In the prior 3 months: * Hospitalization for a cardiovascular indication * Cerebral vascular accident * Transient ischemic attack * Percutaneous coronary intervention * In the prior 1 month: * Use of perhexiline or meldonium. 2. Has a history of moderate to severe valvular heart disease defined as aortic stenosis (valve area \<1.5 cm2), aortic insufficiency, mitral stenosis (valve area \<1.5 cm2), or mitral valve regurgitation of grade 3 or worse. 3. Has significant hepatic disease, with increased liver function tests such as total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, or alanine aminotransferase more than 2 times of ULN at baseline (excluding patients with documented history of Gilbert syndrome). 4. Has severe renal impairment (ie, creatinine clearance \<30 mL/min at screening, measured using 4-variable modification of diet in renal disease equation). 5. Has a history of Parkinson disease, Parkinsonian symptoms, tremors, restless leg syndrome, or other related movement disorders. 6. Has a history of vasospastic angina or microvascular angina. 7. Has an exacerbating cause for angina (eg, anemia \[ie, hemoglobin \<10 g/dL\], uncontrolled hypertension \[ie, BP ≥160/90 mmHg\], hyperthyroid, or rapid AF \[ie, AF with average rate \>120 beats per minute\]) at screening. 8. Has long-QT and life-threatening LV arrhythmia. 9. Has comorbidities limiting life expectancy to less than 3 years. 10. Is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or lactating. 11. Has a history of alcohol abuse or drug addiction. 12. Has a positive test for drugs (eg, opiates, methadone, cocaine, amphetamines \[including ecstasy\], or barbiturates) at screening. 13. Has a positive test for HBsAg, HCV antibodies, or HIV1/2 antibodies at screening. 14. Is participating in another research study. 15. Is an employee or family member of the investigator or study site personnel.
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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
Locations
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Imbria Investigational Site
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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