Mechanistic Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Study to Investigate the Effects of Empagliflozin in Patients with Heart Failure

OVERVIEW

EMPA-VISION evaluated the effect of empagliflozin on heart function in patients with chronic heart failure

Design

Phase III randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial with two cohorts of patients:

• HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF)
• HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)

Patients were assessed using cutting-edge magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology before and after 12 weeks of treatment with empagliflozin or placebo

RESULTS

72 participants were randomized; 59 participants underwent the end of study assessments as COVID-19 restrictions meant participants were unable to attend face-to-face visits from 24 March 2020 onwards.

After 12 weeks of treatment there was no significant difference in the way the heart muscle used energy (measured as the PCr/ATP ratio) between the empagliflozin and placebo groups. This was the case in both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The results were published in 2023.