STAT+: Heart association meeting’s readout is trending ‘neutral’

Trials finding interventions made no difference still teach valuable lessons, experts say Brandon Bell/Getty Images CHICAGO — If one word could describe research presented at this year’s American Heart Association scientific sessions, it might be “neutral.” The meeting began with two blockbuster disappointments, hinted at in top-line results released weeks or months ago but detailed with unvarnished specificity Saturday morning. The ZEUS trial targeting inflammation showed no difference between the treatment and placebo arms. The HORIZON trial taking aim at lipoprotein(a) also revealed nearly identical results, whether participants were on or off the drug. In other words, neutral. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Cardiovascular Disease Reporter Liz covers cardiovascular and metabolic disease, asking why we’re not doing better or even losing ground against the world’s leading killer. Send tips on Signal at LizC.22.