High Lp(a)? Lipoprotein(a) Clinical Trials in Gilbert, AZ
Mission Research Institute in Gilbert, Arizona runs clinical trials for adults with high lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), and heart or blood vessel disease. These studies test new treatments designed to lower Lp(a) and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- No costStudy care, labs and medication
- No insurance needed
- Location690 E. Warner Road, Suite 134, Gilbert, Arizona
What is Lp(a), and why does it matter?
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of cholesterol particle in your blood. Your Lp(a) level is mostly inherited, so diet and exercise do little to change it, and standard cholesterol medicines like statins do not lower it much. High Lp(a) raises the risk of heart attack, stroke and narrowed arteries, even when other cholesterol numbers look normal.
Most people have never had it tested. There is no approved medicine specifically for lowering Lp(a) yet, and that is what these studies are working on.
- Your Lp(a) level is mostly inherited
- Standard cholesterol medicines do not lower it much
- Most people have never had it tested
Who may qualify
You may be a candidate for an Lp(a) study if you:
- Are 18 years of age or older
- Have heart or blood vessel disease, such as a past heart attack, stent or bypass, stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), or peripheral artery disease (PAD), or are at high risk for them
- Have a high Lp(a) level, or may have one but have never been tested
- Have a family history of early heart disease (often a sign of high Lp(a))
Don't know your Lp(a) number? Most people don't. You can ask your own doctor about an Lp(a) blood test. If a short pre-screening call shows you may be a good fit for one of our studies, your Lp(a) level is checked as part of that study's screening visit. Lp(a) testing is not offered as a separate service.
Have high Lp(a) or heart disease?
Fill out the short form or call 480-716-9118. A Mission Research Institute team member will contact you within 1–2 business days.
Call 480-716-9118Types of Lp(a) research we conduct
New treatments designed to lower Lp(a)
Studies measuring whether lowering Lp(a) prevents heart attacks and strokes
What to expect
Pre-screen by phone
About 15 minutes. We ask about past heart attacks, strokes, stents or PAD, your family history and any Lp(a) result you may already have.
Screening visit
After we review the study and consent form together, the screening visit may include bloodwork, such as an Lp(a) test and a cholesterol panel, an ECG or other diagnostic screenings needed to confirm eligibility.
Treatment visits
Some study treatments are given as an injection at our clinic. Visits are closer together at first and spread out over time.
Long-term follow-up
Because these studies measure heart attacks and strokes, follow-up may continue for several years, often with fewer visits.
Lp(a) outcome studies can last several years. Visits become less frequent as the study goes on. You get the exact schedule before you agree to join.
Good to know
- Study treatment and study-related tests are free
- You don't need insurance to take part
- Participants are compensated for time and travel at each visit
- Each study is approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB), an independent committee that protects the rights and safety of research participants
Your study team
Dr. Sunildat Maheshwari, Principal Investigator, oversees our Lp(a) studies. Many of his family medicine patients in Gilbert live with inherited heart risk, which is why Mission Research Institute brings these studies close to home.
Meet Dr. Sunny →
How do I find out my Lp(a) level?
It takes a simple blood test, which your own doctor can order. The American Heart Association recommends that every adult be tested at least once. If you qualify for a screening visit for one of our studies, your Lp(a) level is checked as part of that visit.
I already take a statin. Can I still join?
Usually yes. Most participants keep taking their regular cholesterol and heart medicines. The study doctor reviews everything you take before you start.
Why do these studies last so long?
They measure whether lowering Lp(a) prevents heart attacks and strokes, which takes years to show. Visits are more frequent early on and then spread out.
Should my family members be tested?
Because Lp(a) is inherited, your parents, siblings and children may also have high levels. They can ask their own doctors about testing.
Does an Lp(a) study cost anything?
No. The study treatment and related tests are provided at no cost, insurance is not required, and you are paid for your time and travel.
Learn more
New to research studies? Read our guides:
Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Risk, and the Research Changing Heart Health Forever What Actually Happens During a Clinical Trial Visit?Also enrolling:
Heart Disease StudiesView study →Have high Lp(a) or heart disease?
Fill out the short form or call 480-716-9118. A Mission Research Institute team member will contact you within 1–2 business days.
Lp(a) Study in Gilbert & the East Valley
This lipoprotein(a) study is held at our Gilbert, AZ research site, and we welcome adults from Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek and across the East Valley.
