Colchicine for Heart Failure

(COL-Micro-HF Trial)

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2 & 3

Sponsor: Montreal Heart Institute

Must not be taking: Colchicine, Steroids

Disqualifiers: Infiltrative cardiomyopathy, Severe valvular disease, others

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests colchicine, a medication, to determine if it improves blood flow in the small vessels of the heart for people with heart failure. Participants will receive either colchicine or a placebo (a pill with no active medicine) to compare results. This trial may suit those who have experienced heart failure symptoms and an ejection fraction above 40% in the past year, along with signs of inflammation. As a Phase 2, Phase 3 trial, the study measures colchicine's effectiveness in a larger group and represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking heart failure treatment.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does exclude those currently taking colchicine for other conditions. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that colchicine is likely to be safe for humans?

Research has shown that colchicine is generally safe for individuals with heart conditions. A large study with over 400 participants found that low-dose colchicine was well-tolerated, with no major safety issues. In 2023, the FDA approved colchicine for long-term use to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, indicating its safety for similar conditions. However, as with any medication, some individuals might experience side effects. It is important to consult a healthcare provider about potential risks before starting a new treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for heart failure?

Colchicine is unique because it offers a novel approach to treating heart failure by targeting inflammation, an area not directly addressed by most current treatments. While standard heart failure therapies, like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, focus on improving heart function and reducing fluid overload, colchicine works by reducing inflammation, which plays a crucial role in heart disease progression. Researchers are excited about colchicine because it could complement existing treatments, potentially offering additional benefits and improving outcomes for patients with heart failure.

What evidence suggests that colchicine might be an effective treatment for heart failure?

Research has shown that colchicine can help with certain heart problems. Studies have found that a low dose of colchicine significantly lowers the risk of heart issues in individuals with long-term coronary artery disease. It has also successfully treated pericarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (hardening of the arteries). Colchicine reduces inflammation, a major cause of many heart conditions. In individuals with coronary artery disease, colchicine has proven safe and effective in improving heart health. This trial will compare colchicine to a placebo to evaluate its potential benefits for coronary microvascular dysfunction, which involves small blood vessel problems in the heart, in patients with heart failure. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with heart failure who still have a decent amount of blood leaving the heart each time it pumps (ejection fraction over 40%). It's also for those whose ejection fraction has gotten better over time. People can't join if they're already on certain medications or have health conditions that could interfere with the study.

Inclusion Criteria

Evidence of pathological systemic inflammation: high C-reactive protein, hs-CRP levels (hs-CRP > or = 5mg/L)

My heart condition limits my physical activity but I can still walk.

I have heart failure with an LVEF over 40% and have been hospitalized or have high NTproBNP levels.

Exclusion Criteria

Patient with pre-existent progressive neuromuscular disease

Positive pregnancy test results at the screening visit, and females of childbearing potential who do not agree to use adequate methods of contraception for the duration of the study

I have been diagnosed with infiltrative cardiomyopathy.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive colchicine 0.5 mg daily or a matched placebo

6 months

Baseline and 6-month follow-up visits

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Colchicine

Trial Overview The trial is testing whether Colchicine, at a dose of 0.5 milligrams, can improve how well small blood vessels in the heart work compared to a placebo. The main thing being measured is the coronary flow reserve which tells us about these tiny vessels' health.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: COLCHICINE Active Control 1 Intervention

Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive colchicine 0.5 mg daily or a matched placebo.

Group II: PLACEBO Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive colchicine 0.5 mg daily or a matched placebo.

Colchicine is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Colcrys for:

• Gout
• Familial Mediterranean Fever

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Montreal Heart Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

125

Recruited

85,400+

Published Research Related to This Trial

The CORP and CORP-2 trials are set to be the first randomized placebo-controlled studies investigating the efficacy of colchicine in treating recurrent pericarditis, enrolling a total of 360 patients across both trials.

These trials aim to clarify the effectiveness of colchicine in reducing recurrence rates and improving symptoms over 18 months, potentially establishing it as a standard treatment option for patients experiencing recurrent pericarditis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

CORP (COlchicine for Recurrent Pericarditis) and CORP-2 trials--two randomized placebo-controlled trials evaluating the clinical benefits of colchicine as adjunct to conventional therapy in the treatment and prevention of recurrent pericarditis: study design and rationale. Imazio, M., Cecchi, E., Ierna, S., et al.[2013]

In a study of 12 patients with chronic heart failure, nisoldipine significantly improved cardiac index and reduced mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance after acute administration, indicating its potential to enhance heart function.

The hemodynamic effects of nisoldipine peaked one hour after administration and lasted for up to six hours, suggesting it may provide short-term relief in heart failure symptoms without significantly affecting right atrial and pulmonary pressures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute and chronic effects of the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nisoldipine on the resting and exercise hemodynamics, neurohumoral parameters, and functional capacity of patients with chronic heart failure. Dei Cas, L., Metra, M., Ferrari, R., et al.[2019]

Colchicine, an ancient drug, is gaining attention for its potential benefits in treating cardiovascular diseases, as highlighted by recent studies up to October 2016.

It is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand both the therapeutic advantages and the risks, including side effects and drug interactions, associated with colchicine in cardiac care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: Colchicine in Cardiovascular Medicine. Chen, K., Schenone, AL., Borges, N., et al.[2018]

In a study of 25 patients with mild to moderate heart failure, treatment with lacidipine significantly improved key measures of heart function, including peak oxygen consumption and cardiac index, over an 8-week period.

Lacidipine also reduced systemic vascular resistance, suggesting it may help improve blood flow in heart failure patients, making it a potential adjunct therapy alongside standard treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of lacidipine on peak oxygen consumption, neurohormones and invasive haemodynamics in patients with mild to moderate chronic heart failure. de Vries, RJ., Dunselman, PH., Chin Kon Sung, UG., et al.[2019]

Colchicine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of recurrence in acute and recurrent pericarditis by half, based on clinical trials involving over 1600 patients.

In larger studies with more than 11,000 patients, colchicine demonstrated a greater than 30% reduction in cardiovascular events, including death and heart attacks, while being generally safe for long-term use at doses of 0.5-1.0 mg daily.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Colchicine and the heart. Imazio, M., Nidorf, M.[2021]

In a multicenter trial involving 240 patients with multiple recurrences of pericarditis, colchicine significantly reduced the rate of recurrent pericarditis compared to placebo, with only 21.6% of patients in the colchicine group experiencing recurrences versus 42.5% in the placebo group (p=0.0009).

Colchicine was found to have a similar safety profile to placebo, with no serious adverse events reported, suggesting it can be safely added to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments for managing recurrent pericarditis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of colchicine for treatment of multiple recurrences of pericarditis (CORP-2): a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Imazio, M., Belli, R., Brucato, A., et al.[2022]

Colchicine is considered safe and effective for treating recurrent pericarditis, with specific precautions, although its efficacy for acute pericarditis is less established and requires more research.

The review highlights the importance of understanding potential side effects and drug interactions, suggesting that while colchicine can be beneficial, careful monitoring is necessary during its use.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Colchicine for pericarditis: hype or hope? Imazio, M., Brucato, A., Trinchero, R., et al.[2013]

The LoDoCo2 trial is investigating the efficacy and safety of low-dose colchicine (0.5 mg daily) in 5522 patients with stable coronary artery disease, aiming to confirm its potential for secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

This study is designed to detect a 30% reduction in major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, while also monitoring for any adverse effects related to colchicine, indicating a thorough approach to evaluating its safety and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of low-dose colchicine in patients with stable coronary artery disease: The LoDoCo2 trial rationale, design, and baseline characteristics. Nidorf, SM., Fiolet, ATL., Eikelboom, JW., et al.[2023]

Low-dose colchicine significantly reduces the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events and acute coronary syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease, based on a review of 11,955 patients across multiple randomized controlled trials.

While colchicine is generally safe, it is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal events, highlighting the need for monitoring in patients receiving this treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Low-Dose Colchicine in Coronary Artery Disease - Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Abrantes, AM., Nogueira-Garcia, B., Alves, M., et al.[2021]

In a study of 120 patients with their first episode of acute pericarditis, adding colchicine to conventional treatment significantly reduced the recurrence rate from 32.3% to 10.7% over 18 months, indicating its efficacy as an adjunct therapy.

Colchicine was well-tolerated with no serious adverse effects reported, although 8.3% of patients discontinued due to diarrhea, suggesting it is a safe option for managing acute pericarditis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Colchicine in addition to conventional therapy for acute pericarditis: results of the COlchicine for acute PEricarditis (COPE) trial. Imazio, M., Bobbio, M., Cecchi, E., et al.[2014]

ACE inhibitors are effective in reducing both morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and they may also help prevent the progression to overt CHF in those with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction.

The review provides guidelines for the use of ACE inhibitors in both hospital and general practice settings, while also addressing the role of digoxin and the management of related conditions like angina and arrhythmias in CHF patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Problems solved and lives saved? Chronic heart failure. McMurray, J., Francis, M.[2013]

In a study of 267 patients with stable chronic heart failure, colchicine treatment significantly reduced inflammation markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, indicating its anti-inflammatory effects.

However, colchicine did not lead to significant improvements in functional status or exercise tolerance, nor did it reduce the risk of death or hospital stays compared to placebo.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Anti-inflammatory treatment with colchicine in stable chronic heart failure: a prospective, randomized study. Deftereos, S., Giannopoulos, G., Panagopoulou, V., et al.[2015]

Colchicine has emerged as a promising treatment in cardiovascular disease due to its unique anti-inflammatory mechanism, making it safer than most current anti-inflammatory drugs for patients with heart conditions.

While colchicine is well-established for acute inflammatory conditions like pericarditis, its potential benefits in chronic conditions such as coronary artery disease and heart failure are still being explored, indicating a need for further research in these areas.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Colchicine in Coronary Artery Disease: An Old Acquaintance in New Attire? Giannopoulos, G., Angelidis, C., Papoutsidakis, N., et al.[2019]

The Impact-Reco programme analyzed prescription rates of heart failure medications in nearly 4,000 stable outpatients, revealing significant increases in the use of angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers, indicating improved treatment practices over time.

Despite these improvements, the study highlighted that certain patient subgroups, particularly the elderly and those with renal failure, still received suboptimal doses of medications, suggesting a need for further enhancements in treatment strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Improvement in the management of chronic heart failure since the publication of the updated guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. The Impact-Reco Programme. de Groote, P., Isnard, R., Clerson, P., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.124.319851

Colchicine's Role in Cardiovascular Disease Management Randomized clinical trials established low-dose colchicine as an effective treatment for pericarditis and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ...

2. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41019029/

Efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with coronary ... Efficacy and safety of colchicine in patients with coronary artery disease: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am Heart J ...

3. acc.org acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2025/04/07/11/00/The-Evolving-Role-of-Colchicine-in-Coronary-Atherosclerosis-Management

The Evolving Role of Colchicine in Coronary ... Low-dose colchicine has shown significant reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease. Defining the ...

4. nejm.org nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2021372

Colchicine in Patients with Chronic Coronary Disease Patients were not eligible if they had moderate-to-severe renal impairment, severe heart failure, severe valvular heart disease, or known side effects from ...

5. accessdata.fda.gov accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2024/215727Orig1s000MedR.pdf

215727Orig1s000 CLINICAL/STATISTICAL REVIEW(S) demonstrate the efficacy of colchicine for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. ... randomized trial in patients with heart failure. Although the ...

6. jacc.org jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.03.536

Colchicine for Cardiovascular Disease: Navigating the Gap ... Low-dose colchicine was approved in 2023 for chronic use by the US Food and Drug Administration to “reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary ...

7. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/46/26/2552/8123897

Long-term trials of colchicine for secondary prevention of ... Overall, the pooled results from the present meta-analysis further demonstrates that colchicine is safe to use in patients with atherosclerotic ...