Vascular MRI in Atherosclerosis Clinical Trials-Topic Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Denise Yates described how Novartis uses vascular MRI in early atherosclerosis drug trials to assess whether new treatments affect plaque and vessel function. She focused on proof-of-concept studies for canakinumab, an IL-1 beta monoclonal antibody, in high-risk patients, using MRI of the carotids, aorta, and later peripheral arteries. The scans measure vessel wall area, plaque burden, composition, and aortic distensibility, with high-field 3T imaging, dedicated coils, and centralized quality control across international sites. She emphasized the need for strong training, vendor support, and blinded analysis because these trials are complex and time-sensitive. Yates also highlighted major challenges: short trial durations despite a disease that develops over decades, lack of consensus on imaging endpoints, and uncertainty in interpreting plaque composition. Overall, she showed MRI as a valuable tool for early decision-making in cardiovascular drug development and for expanding into peripheral arterial disease research.

Keywords

vascular MRI

atherosclerosis drug trials

canakinumab

plaque burden

aortic distensibility

peripheral arterial disease