American Heart Association invests $1M in GLP-1 cardiovascular research

In a significant advancement in cardiovascular health research, the American Heart Association has announced funding for seven new scientific studies aimed at understanding the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) medications on patients with obesity and cardiovascular disease. These studies, which began on April 1, 2025, are crucial for identifying which patient populations can benefit most from these diabetes and obesity medications, especially regarding cardiovascular outcomes. The funding underscores the need to tailor treatment strategies to maximize health benefits for these patients. The selected research teams are from respected institutions across the United States, including Boston University, Case Western Reserve University, Duke University, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. These teams will analyze data to uncover the biological, clinical, and social factors influencing treatment responses. This research will enhance understanding of why the benefits of GLP-1 medications, known for their promise in reducing cardiovascular risk, vary significantly among different patient groups. The outcomes of these studies are anticipated to provide insights that could lead to more precise and effective care for individuals grappling with obesity and cardiovascular conditions. Among the various projects funded, one focuses on utilizing machine learning to assess the associations between GLP-1/GIP agonists and cardiovascular outcomes across diverse risk categories. Another study will perform a comparison of different GLP-1 medications to evaluate their performance in lowering risks of cardiovascular events. Moreover, the research intends to address health disparities and real-world effectiveness of GLP-1 medications, specifically exploring their role in reducing heart failure risk among obese patients. By expanding knowledge in this area, the American Heart Association aims to facilitate significant breakthroughs in alleviating the burden of cardiovascular disease, which remains a pressing health issue in the United States and beyond.