NCT05967299 · National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Study of Intravenous ZMA001 in Healthy Subjects
What this study is about
Background: A number of diseases can cause a type of lung injury called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Most people who develop PAH do not survive more than a few years. A new study drug (ZMA001) may help. ZMA001 is a monoclonal antibody. This type of drug consists of proteins, made in a facility, that are very similar to proteins in a human body.
View original scientific description
Background: A number of diseases can cause a type of lung injury called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Most people who develop PAH do not survive more than a few years. A new study drug (ZMA001) may help. ZMA001 is a monoclonal antibody. This type of drug consists of proteins, made in a facility, that are very similar to proteins in a human body. But before giving ZMA001 to people sick with PAH, researchers want to find out how the drug affects healthy people. Objective: To test a drug (ZMA001) in healthy volunteers. Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18 to 60 years. Design: Participants will be screened. They will have a physical exam with blood tests. They will have a urine test for drug use. They will have a test of their heart function. Participants will come to the clinic for 1 inpatient visit of up to 48 hours. ZMA001 is a liquid administered through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein in the arm. Participants will receive this drug only once, during their inpatient stay. Some participants will receive the drug; others will receive a placebo in Cohort 1 only. A placebo is a treatment that looks just like the real drug but contains no medicine. Participants will not know which treatment they are getting in Cohort 1. Cohorts 2-4 will receive a single dose of the study drug, administered through a tube attached to a needle inserted into a vein in the arm. After a screening visit, participants will have 1 inpatient visit and up to 8 outpatient visits over 16 weeks after receiving the treatment. Blood draws and other tests will be repeated. Each outpatient visit is approximately 2 hours long. This study is the first time ZMA001 will be administered to people.
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
- In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
- or female, aged 18 to 60 years, inclusive
- In good general health as evidenced by medical history
- Females of childbearing potential agree to use an accepted method of contraception (see below) throughout study participation and for 120 days after study drug infusion.
- Males sexually active with a female partner must agree to use a condom with spermicide for 120 days after study drug infusion or be surgically sterile for at least 90 days before screening. Males must also agree to not donate sperm for 120 days after study drug administration.
- Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration
- Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
- Enrollment of healthy male subjects will be limited to no more than 14 out of the total study cohort of 32 in order to ensure an adequate representation of female subjects. Accepted methods of contraception for females of childbearing potential:
- Use of an implanted or intrauterine hormonal device for at least 30 consecutive days before study drug infusion
- Use of oral, patch or injectable contraceptives or a vaginal hormonal device for at least 30 consecutive days before study drug infusion
- Use of a non-hormonal intrauterine device for at least 30 consecutive days before study drug infusion
- Two barrier methods such as a diaphragm with spermicide or a condom with spermicide
Exclusion criteria
- An individual who meets any of the following criteria prior to informed consent will be excluded from participation in this study:
- Pregnancy or lactation. Females of childbearing potential must have a negative serum Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin test no more than 48 hours from study drug infusion.
- A history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
- History of severe drug or excipient allergy or hypersensitivity
- Known allergy to any of the components of the investigational drug or placebo
- Recent infection or febrile illness within the past 14 days
- Treatment with another investigational drug within the past 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer
- Any vaccination within the past 4 weeks or receipt of a live-attenuated vaccine within the past 6 months
- Use of tobacco products within the past 3 months
- Illicit drug use (e.g. cocaine, opioids, methamphetamine, PCP) within the past 6 months or positive urine drug screen at Screening Visit
- Marijuana (cannabis) use within the past 30 days or positive urine drug screen at Screening Visit
- History of alcohol abuse within the past 2 years
- Current clinically significant medical illness that is uncontrolled despite appropriate medical treatment including (but not limited to) hematologic, oncologic, renal, endocrine, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, infectious, hepatic, dermatologic, psychiatric, neurologic, autoimmune or allergic disease
- Body mass index less than 17 or greater than 32 kg/m\^2
- Clinically significant abnormal results on clinical blood testing completed at the Screening Visit
- Electrocardiographic evidence of clinically relevant heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus requiring medical treatment
- Received another monoclonal antibody in the past 30 days
- Use of herbal supplements, or similar products within the past 2 weeks
- Blood donation equal to or above 500 mL within 2 months prior to dosing.
- Any other finding that, in the judgment of the Investigator, would increase the risk of having an adverse outcome from participating in the study. Justification to exclude minors: Given that the vast majority of patients with PAH are \>18 years of age and the fact that this is a first in human study, the risks of including children/minors (ie. subjects \< 18 yrs of age) are not justified given the limited potential benefits of including these subjects. Justification to exclude adults \>60 years old: Subjects \> 60 years of age are more likely to have comorbid medical conditions that could place them at increased risk of participation.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
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 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations