NCT04913805 · University of Pennsylvania
Matching Perfusion and Metabolic Activity in HFpEF
(MPMA)
What this study is about
This study will test whether pharmacologic agents that increase perfusion \[Potassium Nitrate (KNO3)\], with and without additional supplements that may improve mitochondrial function \[Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)\], improve submaximal exercise endurance and skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity (SkM OxPhos) in participants with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF).
View original scientific description
This study will test whether pharmacologic agents that increase perfusion \[Potassium Nitrate (KNO3)\], with and without additional supplements that may improve mitochondrial function \[Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC) and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR)\], improve submaximal exercise endurance and skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity (SkM OxPhos) in participants with Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF).
Interventions
DRUG
Potassium Nitrate
Potassium Nitrate is the active intervention that may increase blood flow to exercising muscle
DRUG
Potassium Nitrate + Propionyl-L-Carnitine + Nicotinamide Riboside
Potassium Nitrate + Propionyl-L-Carnitine + Nicotinamide Riboside will be used as a combination intervention to both increase blood flow (KNO3) and mitochondrial function (PLC + NR)
OTHER
Potassium Chloride
Active control
Primary outcome measures
Submaximal Exercise Endurance
Time frame: week 6
Time to exhaustion while exercising at 75% of peak workload
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- NYHA Class II-III symptoms
- Left ventricular ejection fraction \>= 50%
- Stable medical condition for at least 2 weeks, as per investigator judgment
- Prior or current evidence for elevated filling pressures as follows: a. Mitral early (E)/mitral septal tissue annular (e') velocity ratio \> 8, in the context of a septal e' velocity \<=7, in addition to one of the following: i. Large left atrium (LA volume index \> 34 mL/m2) ii. Chronic loop diuretic use for control of symptoms iii. Elevated natriuretic peptides within the past year (e.g. NTproBNP \> 125 pg/mL in sinus rhythm or \> 375 pg/mL if in atrial fibrillation) b. Mitral E/e' ratio \> 14 at rest or during exercise c. Elevated invasively-determined filling pressures previously (resting left ventricular end-diastolic pressure \>= 16 mm Hg or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure \>= 15 mmHg; or PCWP/LVEDP \>= 25 mmHg with exercise) d. Prior episode of acute heart failure requiring IV diuretics
Exclusion criteria
- Age \<18 years old
- Treatment with organic nitrates or phosphodiesterase inhibitors that cannot be interrupted
- Uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, as defined by a resting heart rate \> 100 beats per minute at the time of the baseline assessment
- Hemoglobin \< 10 g/dL
- Subject inability/unwillingness to exercise
- Moderate or greater left sided valvular disease (mitral regurgitation, aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation), mild or greater mitral stenosis, severe right-sided valvular disease
- Known hypertrophic, infiltrative, or inflammatory cardiomyopathy
- Clinically significant pericardial disease, as per investigator judgment
- Current angina due to clinically significant epicardial coronary disease, as per investigator judgment
- Acute coronary syndrome or coronary intervention within the past 2 months
- Primary pulmonary artery hypertension (WHO Group 1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension)
- Clinically significant lung disease as defined by: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease meeting Stage III or greater GOLD criteria (FEV1\<50%), treatment with oral steroids within the past 6 months for an exacerbation of obstructive lung disease, current use of supplemental oxygen aside from nocturnal oxygen for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea, desaturation to \<90% on the baseline maximal effort cardiopulmonary exercise test
- Clinically-significant ischemia, as per investigator's judgement, on stress testing without either (1) subsequent revascularization, (2) an angiogram demonstrating the absence of clinically significant epicardial coronary artery disease, as per investigator judgment; (3) a follow-up 'negative' stress test, particularly when using a more specific technique (i.e., a negative perfusion imaging test following a 'positive' ECG stress test)
- Left ventricular ejection fraction \< 45% on a prior echocardiogram or cardiac MRI, unless the reduced LVEF occurred within the context of an uncontrolled supraventricular arrhythmia, with return of a normal ejection fraction following treatment of the arrhythmia
- Significant liver disease impacting synthetic function or volume control (ALT/AST \> 3x ULN, Albumin \< 3.0 g/dL)
- eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73m\^2
- Methemoglobin \> 5%
- Serum potassium \> 5.0 mEq/L
- Severe right ventricular dysfunction
- Baseline resting seated systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg or \< 100 mmHg
- Persistently low (\<100 mmHg) or high (\>180 mmHg) seated blood pressure at the baseline visit
- Orthostatic blood pressure response to the transition from supine to standing (\>20 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure 2-3 minutes after standing)
- Active participation in another study that utilizes an investigational agent (observational studies/registries allowed)
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, will interfere with the performance and completion of the study.
Where
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations