Antiplatelet Therapy for COPD
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a 6 week crossover study in current and former smokers with and without COPD to evaluate whether 2 weeks of dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin 81mg and clopidogrel 75mg) improves pulmonary perfusion (i.e. blood flow in the lungs measured on a contrast CT scan) compared to placebo.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, clopidogrel, other antiplatelet medications, blood thinners, NSAIDs, oral steroids, and some other specific drugs. If you are on any of these, you may need to stop them to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Dual Antiplatelet Therapy (DAPT) for COPD?
While there is no direct evidence for DAPT's effectiveness in COPD, DAPT, which includes aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor like clopidogrel, is effective in reducing heart-related events in conditions like acute coronary syndrome and during procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention. This suggests potential benefits in managing blood clot risks, although its specific impact on COPD is not established.12345
Is antiplatelet therapy generally safe for humans?
How is the drug DAPT unique for treating COPD?
DAPT, which combines aspirin and a P2Y12 inhibitor like clopidogrel, is unique for COPD as it is primarily used to prevent blood clots in heart conditions, not typically for lung diseases. This trial explores its novel use in COPD, potentially offering a new approach by targeting blood clotting mechanisms that might play a role in COPD complications.14689
Research Team
Carrie Pistenmaa, MD
Principal Investigator
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for former smokers, with or without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who have a history of significant smoking. Participants must show signs of emphysema on a CT scan and meet specific lung function criteria (FEV1/FVC < 0.7 and FVC >= 80%). Those with normal lung function but no visual emphysema are also eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin 81mg and clopidogrel 75mg) for 2 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period, and then 2 weeks of placebo, or vice versa
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy (Antiplatelet Agent)
- Placebo (Placebo)
Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada for the following indications:
- Prevention of thrombotic events after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES)
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS)
- Chronic coronary syndrome
- Prevention of thrombotic events after PCI with DES
- ACS
- Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events
- Prevention of thrombotic events after PCI with DES
- ACS
- Chronic coronary syndrome
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator