Sparks

Researchers are evaluating the effect of muvalaplin in lowering cardiovascular risks among adults with elevated lipoproteina who either have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or are at risk of a first heart attack or stroke. This phase 3, randomized, double-blind study aims to investigate whether muvalaplin can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events compared to placebo in this high-risk population. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either muvalaplin or a placebo, both given orally. The study is designed with parallel groups and will last about 5.25 years, during which the occurrence of cardiovascular events and changes in lipoproteina levels will be closely monitored. Throughout the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including measurement of lipoproteina levels, monitoring of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes, and evaluation of healthcare resource use. The primary outcome is the time to first major adverse cardiac event, tracked from baseline until the study ends. Safety and pharmacokinetics of muvalaplin will also be evaluated during the trial period.

Researchers are comparing the rates of surgical and minimally invasive interventions, as well as any harms, in Medicare beneficiaries treated with the MILD procedure versus those treated with interspinous process decompression IPD for lumbar spinal stenosis with neurogenic claudication. This observational study uses Medicare claims data to follow patients for 24 months after their initial procedure starting from January 1, 2017. The purpose is to evaluate outcomes between these two types of procedures without requiring prior patient enrollment or consent. The study includes two groups patients who received MILD, which is a percutaneous image-guided lumbar decompression performed under fluoroscopic guidance through a dorsal approach to the spine, and patients who received IPD, a different device-based decompression procedure. Data on reoperations and complications will be collected for both groups over a 24-month follow-up period using Medicare claims. Enrollment continues until the sponsor decides to stop. Participants involvement is passive as the study uses existing Medicare claims data. Researchers will monitor rates of harms related to the initial procedure and subsequent surgical or minimally invasive interventions over two years. No direct patient visits or interventions are conducted, and the study is exempt from institutional review board oversight. The total study duration extends to December 2026, covering cases treated since early 2017.