Rituximab in Patients With Acute ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Study
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2021-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RITA-MI aims to develop of a novel therapeutic concept to target the immune response in
patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) by depleting B-cells with a single injection
of Rituximab which is approved for clinical use in cancer, autoimmune disease and
inflammatory conditions. The goal is to re-purpose the drug, and translate the discovery into
benefit for patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. Rituximab is expected to limit
infarction size and improve the healing process, as complementary to other therapeutic
strategies.
The applicants intend to perform a clinical study in patients with acute myocardial
infarction (MI). The objective is to find the optimal dose (lowest dose with highest
biological efficacy and best safety profile) for peripheral blood B cell depletion during the
first 6 days after injection, and selective molecular signatures associated with improved
heart function through analysis of peripheral blood samples.
The study rationale is to decrease the inflammatory reaction upon tissue necrosis following
heart muscle ischemia.