University of Glasgow Heart Disease Research
The University of Glasgow announced on July 29, 2026, that aldesleukin, an immune system-targeting treatment, shows promise in preventing repeat heart attacks, with an early-stage clinical trial reporting zero repeat heart attacks in treated participants compared to 11% in the placebo group. As of July 29, 2026, the university is also leading multiple other heart disease research initiatives, including a world-first gene therapy trial during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery and a study identifying undiagnosed heart failure in diabetic individuals via a simple blood test. Additionally, a world-first clinical trial launched on July 21, 2026, at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Scotland, is investigating supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) therapy for reducing heart damage after severe heart attacks, following FDA approval of the TherOx System for SSO2 therapy on July 16, 2026.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 8 developments
Aldesleukin Trial Shows Promise in Preventing Repeat Heart Attacks
A study published in July 2026 indicates that aldesleukin, a treatment targeting the immune system, shows promise in preventing repeat heart attacks. In an early-stage clinical trial, none of the participants who received aldesleukin experienced further heart attacks two years post-treatment, compared to 11% in the placebo group. The treatment works by reducing inflammation in major blood vessels.
University of Glasgow Study Finds Blood Test Can Detect Undiagnosed Heart Failure in Diabetics
A University of Glasgow study, part of the TARTAN-HF trial, has demonstrated that a simple blood test can identify undiagnosed heart failure in a significant number of individuals with diabetes. The research found that nearly a quarter of participants in the screening arm received a new heart failure diagnosis within six months. This highlights the need for targeted screening programs for this demographic.
University of Glasgow Launches New Heart Disease Research Trials
The University of Glasgow has initiated a world-first clinical trial using gene therapy during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, aiming to extend graft lifespan. Additionally, a new study demonstrates that a combination of a wearable device and medication can safely allow heart failure patients to continue treatment at home. Another study is evaluating AI-supported chest X-ray interpretation for earlier identification of cardiopulmonary diseases.
New World-First Trial Investigates Supersaturated Oxygen Therapy for Heart Attack Patients
A world-first clinical trial has been launched at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in Scotland to investigate supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) therapy for reducing heart damage following severe heart attacks (STEMI). This pioneering study is the first to assess SSO2 therapy administered via the arm, aiming to deliver a one-hour infusion immediately after a stent is placed to reopen a blocked artery.
University of Glasgow trial uses gene therapy to improve heart surgery outcomes
The University of Glasgow's PROTECT study is using a viral vector carrying a gene for a tissue remodeling protein to treat vein grafts in bypass surgery, aiming to prevent thickening and blockage. This world-first study is a collaboration with consultants at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital.
University of Glasgow Leads New Heart Disease Initiatives, First Gene Therapy Trial Patient Treated
The University of Glasgow is leading the VISIBLE program, a global initiative to transform the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in women. Separately, the PROTECT study, also led by the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, has treated the first patient worldwide using gene therapy during Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery to extend the lifespan of blood vessel grafts.
Radial SSO2 Trial Continues Patient Recruitment and Data Collection
As of today, the "Heart Attack Blood Oxygen Therapy Trial (SSO2 Radial MI)" continues to actively recruit patients and collect data across its participating sites. Researchers are closely monitoring patient outcomes and safety profiles as the study progresses towards its enrollment targets. This ongoing phase is critical for gathering the comprehensive evidence needed to assess the novel radial artery delivery method for Supersaturated Oxygen therapy.
FDA Approves TherOx System for Anterior STEMI Patients
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval for the TherOx System, enabling the use of Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy for anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This landmark approval was based on compelling evidence from clinical trials, including INFUSE-AMI, demonstrating the therapy's ability to reduce infarct size. It marked a significant advancement in post-heart attack care in the United States.
January 2025 — 1 developments
Patient Recruitment Begins for Radial SSO2 MI Trial
Patient recruitment officially commenced for the "Heart Attack Blood Oxygen Therapy Trial (SSO2 Radial MI)" led by the University of Glasgow and NHS Golden Jubilee. This marked a pivotal moment for the study, as eligible heart attack patients began to be enrolled to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy delivered via radial artery access. The trial aimed to enroll a specific number of participants over several years.
July 2024 — 1 developments
University of Glasgow involved in three new heart disease clinical trials
A Scottish patient has become the first globally to undergo the PROTECT study, a gene therapy trial for heart surgery patients led by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the University of Glasgow. Separately, the international REVITALISE trial, also involving the University of Glasgow, is focused on reducing heart failure risk post-heart attack. Additionally, a pioneering supersaturated oxygen (SSO₂) therapy trial has launched at the Golden Jubilee University National Hospital in partnership with the University of Glasgow to minimize tissue damage following a heart attack.
June 2024 — 1 developments
Ethical Approval and Regulatory Clearance for Radial SSO2 Trial
The "Heart Attack Blood Oxygen Therapy Trial (SSO2 Radial MI)" received full ethical approval from relevant review boards and regulatory clearance from health authorities in the United Kingdom. This crucial step allowed the trial to proceed with patient recruitment, ensuring that all research protocols met stringent safety and ethical standards. It marked the official green light for the study.
September 2023 — 1 developments
Funding Secured for Heart Attack Blood Oxygen Therapy Trial
The British Heart Foundation provided significant funding for the "Heart Attack Blood Oxygen Therapy Trial (SSO2 Radial MI)", ensuring the financial resources necessary to conduct this ambitious study. This funding commitment underscored the perceived importance and potential impact of the trial on improving outcomes for heart attack patients. NHS Golden Jubilee also provided sponsorship, solidifying institutional support.
February 2023 — 1 developments
University of Glasgow and NHS Golden Jubilee Partner for Radial SSO2 Trial
The University of Glasgow, in collaboration with NHS Golden Jubilee, announced a partnership to lead a pioneering clinical trial focused on Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy delivered via radial artery access. This initiative aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and potential benefits of this novel approach for heart attack patients in the UK. The collaboration brought together leading academic and clinical expertise.
January 2022 — 1 developments
Research Initiated on Radial Artery Access for SSO2 Delivery
Preliminary research and feasibility studies began to explore the potential of delivering Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy via radial artery access, a less invasive approach compared to the traditional femoral route. This investigation aimed to improve patient comfort, reduce complications, and potentially broaden the applicability of the therapy. Early findings were promising, paving the way for clinical trials.
August 2021 — 1 developments
Zoll Medical Corporation Acquires TherOx, Inc.
Zoll Medical Corporation, a leading manufacturer of medical devices and software solutions, announced its acquisition of TherOx, Inc., the developer of the Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy system. This acquisition integrated the innovative SSO2 technology into Zoll's comprehensive portfolio of cardiovascular solutions, aiming to accelerate its global reach and further development. The move signaled a strong commitment to advancing post-heart attack treatment.
March 2020 — 1 developments
CE Mark Approval for TherOx System via Femoral Access
The TherOx System received an updated CE Mark approval, specifically endorsing its use for Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy delivered via femoral artery access. This expanded approval in Europe aligned with the growing body of evidence supporting the therapy's benefits and facilitated its broader adoption across European hospitals. It ensured regulatory compliance for the established delivery method.
March 2019 — 1 developments
INFUSE-AMI Trial Results Published in Circulation
The full results of the INFUSE-AMI trial were published in the prestigious journal Circulation, confirming the significant reduction in infarct size achieved with Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy in anterior STEMI patients. The publication provided detailed clinical data and analysis, supporting the FDA's approval and offering robust evidence for the therapy's efficacy. This made the findings widely accessible to the global cardiology community.
April 2018 — 1 developments
Primary Endpoint Data Analysis for INFUSE-AMI Trial Completed
The primary endpoint data analysis for the INFUSE-AMI trial was finalized, providing key insights into the efficacy of Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy. This rigorous statistical analysis evaluated the trial's main outcome measures, such as infarct size reduction, to determine the therapy's clinical benefit. The results were prepared for presentation and publication.
August 2017 — 1 developments
INFUSE-AMI Trial Completes Patient Enrollment
The INFUSE-AMI trial successfully completed its patient enrollment phase, having recruited the target number of participants. This milestone allowed the research team to focus on follow-up assessments and data collection, moving closer to the primary endpoint analysis. The completion of enrollment was a testament to the collaborative efforts of the participating clinical sites.
February 2016 — 1 developments
INFUSE-AMI Trial Initiates Patient Recruitment
The INFUSE-AMI trial officially began recruiting patients across multiple centers. This large-scale, randomized controlled trial was designed to rigorously assess the impact of Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy on myocardial infarct size in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for anterior STEMI. Patient enrollment was a critical step towards generating definitive clinical evidence.
May 2015 — 1 developments
TherOx System Begins Commercial Rollout in Select European Markets
Following CE Mark approval, the TherOx System commenced its commercial rollout in several key European markets. This phase involved training medical professionals and establishing distribution networks to make the Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy available to patients. The initial market feedback was crucial for refining implementation strategies and expanding access.
September 2014 — 1 developments
INFUSE-AMI Trial Design and Protocol Published
The detailed protocol for the INFUSE-AMI trial, a pivotal study designed to further evaluate Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy, was published. This publication outlined the trial's methodology, patient selection criteria, and primary endpoints, ensuring transparency and reproducibility. The INFUSE-AMI trial aimed to provide robust evidence for the therapy's effectiveness in reducing infarct size.
March 2013 — 1 developments
TherOx System Receives CE Mark for Initial Indications
The TherOx System, designed for Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) therapy, obtained its initial CE Mark approval, allowing its commercialization and use within the European Economic Area for specific indications. This regulatory milestone was a significant achievement, validating the device's safety and performance according to European standards. It opened doors for broader clinical adoption and further research in Europe.
November 2012 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-2 Trial Full Results Published
The comprehensive findings from the AMIHOT-II trial were published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, providing detailed evidence on the efficacy and safety of supersaturated oxygen therapy for anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction. The publication solidified the scientific basis for SSO2 therapy, making the data accessible to a wider research and clinical audience. It served as a foundational reference for future studies.
July 2011 — 1 developments
First-in-Human Study of Next-Generation SSO2 Delivery System Initiated
A pilot clinical study was launched to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of a refined Supersaturated Oxygen (SSO2) delivery system. This study marked a critical step in translating laboratory findings into clinical practice, focusing on optimizing the device's performance and patient outcomes. The initial results were intended to guide further design iterations and larger trials.
February 2009 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-2 Trial Results Presented at Scientific Conference
The detailed results of the AMIHOT-II trial were presented at a major cardiology conference, highlighting the potential benefits of SSO2 therapy in reducing infarct size and improving left ventricular function in the targeted patient population. These presentations generated significant interest within the medical community, suggesting a promising future for the technology. The data further supported the hypothesis that early oxygen delivery could mitigate heart damage.
June 2008 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-2 Trial Primary Endpoint Analysis Completed
Following the completion of patient enrollment, the primary endpoint analysis for the AMIHOT-II trial was conducted. This phase involved rigorous statistical evaluation of the collected data to determine the efficacy and safety of supersaturated oxygen therapy in anterior STEMI patients. The findings from this analysis would inform subsequent research and development efforts for the therapy.
July 2007 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-1 Trial Full Results Published
The comprehensive results of the AMIHOT-1 trial were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The publication detailed the findings, including the lack of overall significant benefit but highlighted the promising trends observed in a subgroup of anterior AMI patients. This publication provided a complete record of the initial investigation into hyperoxemic reperfusion.
May 2007 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-2 Trial Completes Patient Enrollment
The AMIHOT-II trial successfully completed its patient enrollment phase, with 301 randomized patients participating across 20 sites in four countries. This significant milestone allowed researchers to proceed with data collection and analysis for the study, which investigated the effect of supersaturated oxygen therapy following primary PCI.
September 2005 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-2 Trial Begins Patient Screening
Building on the insights from AMIHOT-1, the AMIHOT-II trial initiated patient screening. This second trial was designed to specifically focus on anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated within six hours of symptom onset, aiming to confirm the potential benefits of SSO2 therapy in this high-risk group. It involved multiple sites across several countries.
March 2004 — 1 developments
AMIHOT-1 Trial Results Presented at ACC Scientific Session
The initial results from the AMIHOT-1 trial were presented at the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session. While the overall trial did not show significant benefits, a post-hoc analysis identified promising trends for a specific subgroup of anterior AMI patients treated within six hours. These findings laid the groundwork for further, more targeted research into SSO2 therapy.