Pulse Check: The Cardiovascular Conversations
Episode 1: Coronary Inflammation—The Next Frontier in Cardiovascular Risk Management
Description:
Despite advances in lipid-lowering and antithrombotic therapies, residual cardiovascular risk remains a major challenge. In this episode, Dr. Cheerag Shirodaria, Fortrea's cardiovascular lead, and Chris Farina, CEO of Abcentra, explore the emerging science behind coronary inflammation as a key driver of atherosclerotic disease. They discuss why inflammation, particularly in vulnerable coronary plaques, is gaining traction as a therapeutic target, and talk about Abcentra’s first-in-class monoclonal antibody - designed to selectively quell inflammation in diseased arterial tissue. With insights from landmark trials, and a look at how these new options differs from systemic anti-inflammatory agents, this episode offers a compelling case for a paradigm shift in cardiovascular drug development. If you're working in CV research, this is a must-listen.
Host: Dr. Cheerag Shirodaria, VP and Cardiovascular/Metabolic Therapeutic Area Head, Fortrea
Participant: Chris Farina, Abcentra CEO
References:
- Antonopoulos AS, Sanna F, Sabharwal N, et al. Detecting human coronary inflammation by imaging perivascular fat. Sci Transl Med. 2017;9(398):eaal2658. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.aal2658.
- Chan K, Wahome E, Tsiachristas A, et al. Inflammatory risk and cardiovascular events in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease: the ORFAN multicentre, longitudinal cohort study. Lancet. 2024;403(10444):2606–2618. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00596-8.
- Claessen BE, Guedeney P, Gibson CM, et al. Lipid Management in Patients Presenting With Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Review. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023;12:e018897.
- Coronary Inflammation: The hidden driver of disease progression.
- Libby P, Hansson GK. Inflammation and immunity in diseases of the arterial tree: players and pathways. J Exp Med. 2022;219(6):e20211378.
- European Medicines Agency. Ilaris: EPAR – Product Information. London, UK: EMA; 2023.
- Farina C, Nilsson J, Gelfand JM, et al. Orticumab reduces coronary inflammation in patients with psoriasis: results from a Phase 2a randomized trial. Cardiovasc Res. 2024. Presented at: American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Sessions; April 2024; Atlanta, GA.
- Farina et al, 2024, European Society of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research March 25, 2024.
- Fauconnier A, Melis M, Berenbeck M, et al. Trends in the drug target landscape for autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2025;24(4):245–248.
- Nidorf SM, Fiolet ATL, Mosterd A, et al. Colchicine in patients with chronic coronary disease. Lancet. 2020;396(10245):1181–1190. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)31324-6.
- Oikonomou, E. K., Marwan, M., Desai, M. Y., et al. Non-invasive detection of coronary inflammation using computed tomography and prediction of residual cardiovascular risk (the CRISP-CT study): A post-hoc analysis of prospective outcome data. The Lancet, 392(10151), 929–939. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)31114-0.
- Ridker PM, Everett BM, Thuren T, et al. Antiinflammatory therapy with canakinumab for atherosclerotic disease. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(12):1119–1131.
- Tardif JC, Kouz S, Waters DD, et al. Efficacy and safety of low-dose colchicine after myocardial infarction. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(26):2497–2505. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1912388.
- Virani SS, Alonso A, Aparicio HJ, et al. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2023 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2023;147:e93–e621.
- Wockhardt UK Ltd. Colchicine 500 microgram Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium.
Episode 2: Coronary Imaging Innovation and the Path to Targeted Therapies
Description:
In episode two, the conversation turns to clinical development and the power of imaging biomarkers. Dr. Cheerag Shirodaria (Fortrea) and Chris Farina (Abcentra) delve into how innovations in technology and imaging, such as coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and the Fat Attenuation Index (FAI) are transforming risk stratification—reclassifying patients and identifying inflammation even in those with “normal” arteries. The episode also highlights the challenges of trial design in novel populations and the critical role of sponsor-CRO-vendor collaborations, including Fortrea’s CRO support. For pharma teams focused on precision medicine and inflammation-targeted therapies, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of cardiovascular care.
Host: Dr. Cheerag Shirodaria, VP and Cardiovascular/Metabolic Therapeutic Area Head, Fortrea
Participant: Chris Farina, Abcentra CEO
References:
- Abcentra LLC Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase 2b “FORTIFY” Clinical Trial Evaluating Orticumab in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease.
- ACC Guidelines Portal.
- Chan K, Wahome E, Tsiachristas A, et al. Inflammatory risk and cardiovascular events in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease: the ORFAN multicentre, longitudinal cohort study. Lancet. 2024;403(10444):2606–2618. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00596-8.
- ESC Guidelines for Chronic Coronary Syndromes (2024): These guidelines designate CCTA as a Class I recommendation for the initial assessment of patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), based on its high sensitivity and specificity for detecting obstructive CAD.
- Farina et al, 2024, European Society of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research, March 25, 2024.
- Libby P, Hansson GK. Inflammation and immunity in diseases of the arterial tree: players and pathways. J Exp Med. 2022;219(6):e20211378.
- Oikonomou EK, Antonopoulos AS, Schottlander D, et al. Standardized measurement of coronary inflammation using cardiovascular computed tomography: integration in clinical care as a prognostic medical device. Cardiovasc Res. 2021;117(13):2677–2690. doi:10.1093/cvr/cvab286.
- Plackett B. Caristo Diagnostics: taking a fresh look at CT scans. Nature. 2020 Jun 30.
- Wockhardt UK Ltd. Colchicine 500 microgram Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium.