TerminatedPhase 2

A Study to Test Whether Avenciguat Helps People With Liver Cirrhosis and High Blood Pressure in the Portal Vein (Main Vessel Going to the Liver) Who Had Bleeding in the Esophagus or Fluid Accumulation in the Belly

Stopped: Company decision

United States, Austria, Canada22 participantsStarted 2024-01-03

Plain-language summary

This study is open to adults with advanced liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcohol-related liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or other causes. People can join the study if they have high blood pressure in the portal vein (main vessel going to the liver) and bleeding in the esophagus or fluid accumulation in the belly. The purpose of this study is to find out whether a medicine called avenciguat helps people with this condition. Participants are put into 2 groups by chance. One group takes avenciguat tablets and the other group takes placebo tablets. Placebo tablets look like avenciguat tablets but do not contain any medicine. Participants take a tablet twice a day for 8 weeks. Participants are in the study for 2 to 3 months. During this time, they visit the study site regularly. At 2 of the visits, the doctors check the pressure in the liver vein by inserting a catheter (a long thin tube) that gives information about pressure in the portal vein. The change in blood pressure is then compared between the 2 groups to see whether the treatment works. The doctors also regularly check participants' health and take note of any unwanted effects.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Signed and dated written informed consent in accordance with International Council for Harmonisation-Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) and local legislation prior to admission to the trial * Male or female who is ≥18 (or who is of legal age in countries where that is greater than 18) and ≤75 years old at screening (Visit 1a) * Diagnosis of cirrhosis due to non-cholestatic liver disease (including Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, haemachromatosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1At) deficiency) * One previous clinically significant decompensation event with clinical resolution at least 4 weeks prior start of screening (visit 1a): * First variceal haemorrhage * First episode of clinically significant ascites (requiring intervention in lifestyle \[fluid and salt restriction\] or medical treatment) * Willing and able to undergo Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG) measurements per protocol (based on Investigator judgement) * If receiving statins must be on a stable dose for at least 3 months prior to screening (Visit 1b), with no planned dose change throughout the trial * If receiving treatment with Non-Selective Beta-Blocker (NSBBs) or carvedilol must be on a stable dose for at least 1 month prior to screening (Visit 1b), with no planned dose change throughout the trial * For patient with alcohol-related cirrhosis, abstinence from sig…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Percentage Change in Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient (HVPG) From Baseline (Measured in mmHg) After 8 Weeks of Treatment

Timeframe: At baseline and at Week 8.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06082843

SponsorBoehringer Ingelheim

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-05-30

Results submitted2025-05-28

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Hypertension, Portal trials