Immune System Reset: Novel Treatment Shows Promise in Preventing Repeat Heart Attacks
A groundbreaking clinical trial suggests a new approach to heart attack prevention, focusing on modulating the immune system to reduce inflammation and dramatically lower the risk of subsequent cardiac events.
A revolutionary treatment targeting the body’s immune response has demonstrated remarkable early success in preventing repeat heart attacks, according to results published today, January 8, 2026, in Nature Medicine. In a first-of-its-kind trial conducted in Cambridge, UK, participants who received the treatment experienced zero further heart attacks over a two-year follow-up period.
The treatment, known as aldesleukin, works by bolstering the activity of regulatory T cells – a critical component of the immune system recently recognized with the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. These cells act as “gatekeepers,” controlling inflammation and maintaining immune balance. Aldesleukin is already approved for use in higher doses to treat certain kidney cancers, suggesting a well-understood safety profile.
“We are delighted that our early phase trial, which tested the very mechanism thought to be a game changer by the Nobel Prize committee, has demonstrated encouraging results which we hope to conclusively answer in larger trials,” stated Dr. Joseph Cheriyan, Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who led the trials.
Heart attacks remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. In the UK alone, someone is admitted to hospital with a heart attack every five minutes. While survival rates have improved, many patients are left with lasting heart damage, increasing their vulnerability to future events. A key factor driving this risk is persistent inflammation in major blood vessels. Currently, no approved therapies specifically target this inflammation following a heart attack.
“Whilst advances in heart attack treatment have improved patient outcomes in recent decades, 1 in 10 patients still die within the first 12 months and new treatments are still needed,” explained Dr. Stephen Hoole, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and principal investigator for the study at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. “Targeting inflammation, that often drives plaque vulnerability, rupture and subsequent cardiovascular events, is an exciting proposition to address this residual risk.”
The research involved two related clinical trials, IVORY and IVORY-FINALE, funded largely by the Medical Research Council. Sixty patients who had recently experienced a heart attack participated in the initial IVORY trial, receiving either a low dose of aldesleukin or a placebo. Subsequently, 55 of these patients enrolled in IVORY-FINALE, a comprehensive follow-up study spanning up to five years.
Participants underwent PET scans before and after treatment to meticulously assess inflammation levels in their blood vessels. The results showed that aldesleukin reduced inflammation by nearly 8% on average, with the most significant impact observed in vessels exhibiting the highest initial inflammation. Notably, after two years of follow-up, all patients treated with aldesleukin remained free of further heart attacks, compared to 11% of those receiving the placebo.
“For decades, we have known that inflammation contributes to heart disease, but effective treatments have remained elusive,” said Professor Ziad Mallat, BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Cambridge, who conceived the study. “Harnessing the body’s natural immune regulators to protect the heart represents a paradigm shift in cardiovascular medicine.”
The success of the trial is a testament to collaborative research. “This trial represents a huge collaborative effort across the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. We are very grateful to our patients, who were central to the success of this trial,” noted Dr. Rouchelle Sriranjan-Rothwell, Cardiology Specialist Registrar at Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, who primarily conducted the trial.
The impact of this potential treatment is powerfully illustrated by the story of Mark Andrews, 59, from Cambridgeshire. Andrews suffered a heart attack in August 2022 while cycling, despite being active and having no prior heart issues. After receiving a stent at Royal Papworth Hospital, he was invited to participate in the IVORY trial. “I was keen to join the trial,” Andrews shared. “It wasn’t just the possibility that the treatment could stop me from having another heart attack. It was knowing the team would be closely monitoring my health.” Three years later, Andrews remains symptom-free and continues to maintain an active lifestyle.
The research team commissioned a hand-painted watercolor illustration by Shaanea Mendis depicting regulatory T cells easing blood vessel inflammation and promoting healing.
While these findings are highly encouraging, researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale studies to confirm the results and establish the long-term safety and efficacy of aldesleukin before it can be widely adopted. Professor James Rudd, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the importance of advanced imaging in identifying effective treatments.
Experts in the field are optimistic about the potential of this new approach. “A treatment to reduce inflammation after a heart attack could be a game-changer and lead to a powerful treatment option for patients,” commented Professor Bryan Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation. “It is exciting that aldesleukin, a drug already known to be safe, and used routinely, could potentially be repurposed to reduce the risk of future heart attacks. We look forward to seeing whether these results can be replicated in a larger study.”
Dr. Adam Babbs, Associate Director of Translation at the Medical Research Council, added, “By uncovering the complex biological mechanisms that trigger repeat heart attacks, researchers have identified a precision therapy targeting inflammation after an attack. It shows potentially life-saving promise for preventing repeat heart attacks. Repurposing an existing anti-cancer drug hugely speeds up progress to patient trials and could bring this treatment to the NHS much sooner if further studies to refine its use confirm its effectiveness in more patients.”
The IVORY trial offers a beacon of hope for millions at risk of repeat heart attacks, signaling a potential turning point in cardiovascular medicine.
