Xenon MRI for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

(Jupiter PH Trial)

This trial explores how a special type of MRI using 129Xe gas (known as 129Xe Hyperpolarized) can help understand and track pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition where high blood pressure affects the lungs and heart. Researchers aim to see how changes inside the lungs relate to the disease and its treatment. This study targets individuals waiting for a lung transplant or those with PAH symptoms who have recently started treatment. Participants should have a diagnosis of specific types of high blood pressure affecting the lungs and be able to undergo MRI scans. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures how well the treatment works in an initial, smaller group of people, offering participants a chance to contribute to important advancements in PAH management.

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are in Cohort 2, you must be either treatment naïve or have started treatment within the last 3 months.

Research has shown that hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI is safe for both healthy individuals and patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This suggests the procedure is generally well-tolerated. In these studies, no major side effects were reported, indicating the safety of this imaging technique. Although the current trial remains in its early stages, the absence of significant adverse events in previous research is encouraging for potential participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about using 129Xe Hyperpolarized MRI for pulmonary arterial hypertension because it offers a unique, non-invasive way to visualize lung function in real-time. Unlike current treatments that focus on managing symptoms or slowing disease progression, this technique allows for detailed imaging of gas exchange and lung ventilation without the need for radiation. This could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis and monitoring, potentially improving patient outcomes and guiding personalized treatment strategies.

Research has shown that hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI holds promise for diagnosing and understanding pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This trial will use 129Xe MRI to produce clear images of lung gas exchange, crucial for assessing PAH. It has been safely used in both healthy individuals and those with lung issues, indicating its potential to effectively monitor PAH progression. This imaging method aids doctors in distinguishing between various heart and lung conditions, offering a clearer view of the disease. Overall, 129Xe MRI offers a noninvasive method to track changes in lung function related to PAH.¹³⁴⁵⁶