SARASOTA, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2026) – Calcification of the aortic valve is the leading cause of heart valve disease in older adults, and currently, there are no approved medications to slow its progression. Sarasota Memorial's Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is working to change that.
The new KATALYST-AV trial, sponsored by Kardigan, Inc aims to evaluate whether the investigational medication ataciguat can slow the buildup of calcium in the aortic valve in adults with
moderate calcific aortic valve stenosis (CAVS).
Led locally by interventional cardiologist Ricardo Yaryura, MD, the study will also assess the safety, tolerability and metabolism of the medication- how it is processed in the body.
The phase 3 clinical study will enroll an estimated 1,400 patients across approximately 100 sites worldwide. If proven safe and effective, Ataciguat could become the first pharmacologic therapy to slow the progression of aortic valve calcium deposition in adults with CAVS.
To be eligible, participants must be 50 years or older, have a confirmed diagnosis of moderate calcific aortic valve stenosis, and must not have had any prior aortic valve replacement, repair, or other intervention.
For more information or to find out if you are eligible to participate in the local study, contact the research team at (941) 917-2225 or researchinstitute@smh.com. For information about the national trial, visit click here.
About the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute
Located on the flagship Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota campus, the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute serves as a premier hub for medical research and clinical innovation. With dedicated space for research, clinical innovation and graduate medical education, the Kolschowsky Institute provides a collaborative learning environment for physicians, nurses, researchers and students studying new treatments and mastering the latest tools and techniques in patient care. Through state-of-the-art simulation labs, hands-on training programs, and a robust portfolio of clinical studies, Sarasota Memorial and the Kolschowsky Institute play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare in the region. For information, visit: https://www.smh.com/Home/Services/Kolschowsky-Research-and-Education-Institute.