Sacubitril-Valsartan for Heart Failure in HIV

Overseen By Suman Srinivasa, MD, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Must not be taking: RAAS pathway, Steroids, Diuretics, others

Disqualifiers: Heart failure, Recent stroke, Diabetes, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 6 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a drug called Sacubitril-Valsartan to determine its effectiveness for people with HIV who are at risk of heart problems. The study aims to assess whether the medication can improve heart health by reducing inflammation and preventing early changes in heart structure and function. Participants will receive either the medication or a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) along with lifestyle advice on diet and exercise for six months. This trial suits individuals with HIV who have been on antiretroviral therapy for over a year, have certain heart function measures, and no history of heart failure. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant medical advancements.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You may need to stop taking certain medications, especially those that affect the RAAS pathway (like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or MR blockers), potassium supplements, or diuretics, as they are not allowed in this trial.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that sacubitril-valsartan is already used to treat heart failure. Many patients in studies have tolerated it well. Side effects are usually mild and can include low blood pressure and kidney problems. Strong evidence indicates that it helps people with heart failure by reducing hospital visits and improving heart health.

Since researchers are testing this treatment again, it's important to see how it works specifically for people with HIV. However, its regular use for heart failure suggests it might be safe for most people. Always consult a doctor about any concerns or specific health conditions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

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

Researchers are excited about Sacubitril-Valsartan for heart failure in people with HIV because it combines two active ingredients that work together in a new way. While most treatments for heart failure focus on just one mechanism, Sacubitril-Valsartan targets both the neprilysin enzyme and angiotensin II receptor, potentially offering more comprehensive heart protection. This dual action could lead to improved heart function and better outcomes for patients compared to current standard treatments like ACE inhibitors or ARBs alone. Additionally, Sacubitril-Valsartan is already used successfully in non-HIV patients, suggesting it might offer a promising new option for those with HIV-related heart failure.

What evidence suggests that Sacubitril-Valsartan might be an effective treatment for heart failure in HIV?

Research has shown that sacubitril-valsartan effectively treats heart failure. One study found it more effective than enalapril, a common heart failure medication, in slowing the disease's progression. Another study demonstrated that it can lower levels of NT-proBNP, a substance linked to heart failure, and improve heart function. Patients taking sacubitril-valsartan also experienced fewer hospital visits for heart failure. In this trial, participants will receive either sacubitril-valsartan or a placebo, along with lifestyle modifications, to evaluate its potential benefits for people with HIV who are at risk for heart problems. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for people with HIV who've been on antiretroviral therapy for over a year, have controlled viral loads, and show early signs of heart issues but no recent severe cardiac events or uncontrolled diabetes. They shouldn't be pregnant, seeking pregnancy, breastfeeding, or using certain hormones and must not have liver disease or be on medications that affect the same pathways as the study drugs.

Inclusion Criteria

Your heart's ability to squeeze and relax is less than 18%.

Your heart is too big for your body size.

Your left atrium is too big for this study.

Exclusion Criteria

My kidney function is reduced with creatinine over 1.5 mg/dL and GFR under 60.

Your blood pressure is less than 100 mmHg.

Your blood potassium level is higher than 5.5 milliequivalents per liter.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Baseline cardiac imaging and blood tests to assess heart structure and function

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive sacubitril/valsartan or placebo for 6 months with lifestyle modification counseling

6 months

Monthly visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Placebo oral tablet
• Sacubitril-Valsartan 49-51Mg Oral Tablet

Trial Overview The ENCHANTMENT HIV Study tests if Sacubitril/Valsartan can help prevent heart failure in those with HIV by blocking harmful hormones and improving heart function. Participants will either receive this medication or a placebo without knowing which one they're taking to compare effects fairly.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Sacubitril/Valsartan Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Sacubitril/Valsartan 49-51mg twice daily along with lifestyle modification (counseling regarding diet and healthy activity) for 6 months

Group II: Placebo Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Placebo twice daily along with lifestyle modification (counseling regarding diet and healthy activity) for 6 months

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Massachusetts General Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,066

Recruited

13,430,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a study using a rabbit model of acute myocardial infarction, sacubitril/valsartan (SAC/VAL) significantly reduced infarct size and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to placebo, demonstrating its acute infarct-sparing benefits.

SAC/VAL not only improved LVEF over time in heart failure treatment protocols but also significantly reduced left ventricular scar size after myocardial infarction, indicating its superior long-term protective effects compared to valsartan alone.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sacubitril/Valsartan Averts Adverse Post-Infarction Ventricular Remodeling and Preserves Systolic Function in Rabbits. Torrado, J., Cain, C., Mauro, AG., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 498 heart failure patients, initiating and uptitrating sacubitril/valsartan from 50 to 200 mg twice daily over 3 to 6 weeks showed a tolerability profile similar to other heart failure treatments, with low rates of adverse effects like hypotension and renal dysfunction.

A more gradual uptitration approach was particularly beneficial for patients on low doses of ACE inhibitors or ARBs, leading to a higher percentage (84.9%) achieving the target dose without interruptions compared to a more rapid regimen.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Initiating sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in heart failure: results of TITRATION, a double-blind, randomized comparison of two uptitration regimens. Senni, M., McMurray, JJ., Wachter, R., et al.[2022]

Sacubitril/valsartan is rapidly absorbed and effectively converted to its active form, sacubitrilat, which helps treat heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, showing significant increases in plasma concentrations in patients with heart failure compared to healthy subjects.

The pharmacokinetics of sacubitril/valsartan are generally unaffected by age, sex, or ethnicity, but renal impairment can significantly increase the levels of sacubitrilat, indicating the need for careful monitoring in patients with kidney issues.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Erratum to: Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Sacubitril/Valsartan (LCZ696): A Novel Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitor. Ayalasomayajula, S., Langenickel, T., Pal, P., et al.[2019]

In a study involving 36 healthy subjects, taking sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) with food significantly reduced the absorption rate of sacubitril and valsartan, with Cmax values decreasing by 42-54% and ~40%, respectively.

Despite the reduced absorption rates when taken with meals, LCZ696 was found to be safe and well tolerated, indicating that while food affects its bioavailability, it does not compromise the overall safety of the medication.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of food on the oral bioavailability of the angiotensin receptor - neprilysin inhibitor sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in healthy subjects . Ayalasomayajula, S., Langenickel, TH., Chandra, P., et al.[2022]

Sacubitril-valsartan is projected to provide significant health benefits for patients with heart failure (HF) and an ejection fraction (EF) of 60% or less, adding 0.53 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) at an incremental cost of $40,892, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $76,852 per QALY compared to traditional renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASis).

The treatment is particularly cost-effective for patients with lower EFs (≤50%), with ICERs indicating high economic value, suggesting that sacubitril-valsartan could be a valuable treatment option for a broader range of HF patients, influencing clinical practice guidelines and insurance coverage decisions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Health and Economic Evaluation of Sacubitril-Valsartan for Heart Failure Management. Bhatt, AS., Vaduganathan, M., Claggett, BL., et al.[2023]

In a retrospective study of 132 heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, those treated with sacubitril/valsartan showed significant improvements in both left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global left ventricular longitudinal strain (GLS) over an average of 14 months, indicating enhanced heart function.

Unlike the control group receiving conventional therapy, which only improved LVEF, the sacubitril/valsartan group demonstrated a notable increase in GLS, suggesting that this medication may offer additional benefits in heart remodeling beyond just improving ejection fraction.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sacubitril/valsartan improves left ventricular longitudinal deformation in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. De Vecchis, R., Paccone, A., Di Maio, M.[2023]

In a study of 427 heart failure patients treated with sacubitril/valsartan (SV) over an average of 7 months, those who continued SV showed significant improvements in heart function and symptoms, while discontinuation was linked to a much higher risk of death.

SV was generally well-tolerated, with only 16.6% of patients experiencing symptomatic hypotension, indicating that it is a safe option for managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in everyday clinical settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Sacubitril/Valsartan in Daily Clinical Practice: Data From a Prospective Registry. Vicent, L., Esteban-Fernández, A., Gómez-Bueno, M., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 84 healthy male subjects, both therapeutic (400 mg) and supratherapeutic (1200 mg) doses of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) did not significantly affect cardiac repolarization, as indicated by QTcF intervals remaining within safe limits.

The study confirmed the safety of LCZ696, with no significant changes in ECG parameters or increased adverse events compared to placebo, supporting its use in patients with chronic heart failure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Single therapeutic and supratherapeutic doses of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) do not affect cardiac repolarization. Langenickel, TH., Jordaan, P., Petruck, J., et al.[2021]

In a study of 30 patients with chronic heart failure, treatment with sacubitril/valsartan for 12 months led to a significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction, increasing from a median of 26.3% to 36.3%.

The study also monitored NT-proBNP levels and glomerular filtration rates, indicating that sacubitril/valsartan not only improves heart function but may also positively impact other cardiovascular health markers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Monitoring the dynamics of clinical and laboratory markers of chronic heart failure during 12 months of sacubitril/valsartan treatment. Čepelová, J., Malý, M., Daněk, J., et al.[2021]

Sacubitril-valsartan significantly reduces the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), as shown in a meta-analysis of six trials involving 14,959 patients.

While sacubitril-valsartan is associated with a higher risk of symptomatic hypotension, it has a lower risk of worsening renal function and serious hyperkalaemia compared to traditional treatments like enalapril or valsartan.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan in heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Zhang, H., Huang, T., Shen, W., et al.[2022]

In a meta-analysis of five cohort studies involving 8,981 patients with heart failure, sacubitril/valsartan (SV) showed similar rates of major adverse outcomes, such as all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalizations, between men and women.

Although men had numerically higher rates of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, these differences were not statistically significant, indicating that SV is equally safe for both sexes in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Real-World Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Women and Men With Heart Failure and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Meta-analysis. Nuechterlein, K., AlTurki, A., Ni, J., et al.[2022]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5076745/

Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure: latest evidence and place ... Sacubitril/valsartan prevented more efficiently clinical progression of surviving patients with heart failure than enalapril. In addition, it led an early and ...

2. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(21)00429-6/fulltext

Clinical outcomes of Sacubitril/Valsartan in patients with ... The effectiveness and safety of initiating sacubitril/valsartan therapy among patients who are hospitalized for acute heart failure (HF) is unclear.

3. cureus.com cureus.com/articles/359702-comparing-high--versus-low-dose-entresto-in-heart-failure-patients-a-2025-meta-analysis

Comparing High- Versus Low-Dose Entresto in Heart ... The results show a statistically significant decrease in NT-proBNP with high-dose Entresto as compared to low-dose Entresto. An increase in LVEF ...

4. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/07260/effect_of_sacubitril_valsartan_on_hospital.24.aspx

Effect of sacubitril/valsartan on hospital readmissions in... Sacubitril/valsartan for the treatment of HFrEF is associated with a significantly lower rate of all-cause readmission as well as HF readmissions compared to ...

5. ajmc.com ajmc.com/view/combination-of-sacubitril-valsartan-may-improve-heart-failure-outcomes

Combination of Sacubitril/Valsartan May Improve Heart ... Combination of Sacubitril/Valsartan May Improve Heart Failure Outcomes ... In patients with ejection fraction greater than 40% who were stabilized ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9773772/

Sacubitril/valsartan in heart failure: efficacy and safety in and ... Systolic blood pressure, cardiovascular outcomes and efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced ...

7. entrestohcp.com entrestohcp.com/hfref/clinical-trial-biomarker-data

Clinical Trial and Biomarker Data ENTRESTO can help your patients with HFrEF stay alive and out of the hospital longer · ENTRESTO reduced the risk of CV death and heart failure readmission vs ...

8. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.118.011089

Lower Hospitalization and Healthcare Costs With Sacubitril ... Outcomes data among patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction treated with sacubitril/valsartan (SAC/VAL) are largely ...