ELIMINATE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of Influenza Vaccination after Myocardial Infarction on Cardiac Inflammatory Response -a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (ELIMINATE study)
IRAS ID
355093
Contact name
Joseph Cheriyan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
This research study aims to investigate the potential benefits of influenza vaccination for patients who have recently experienced an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) commonly known as a heart attack. The focus is on understanding how the vaccine might reduce inflammation in the coronary arteries which contribute to post-heart attack complications and further heart damage. Previous studies have suggested that influenza vaccination may reduce the risk of complications and improve survival after an AMI, with effects observed within weeks of vaccination.
This study will measure how the vaccine influences coronary artery inflammation using an advanced imaging technique called coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).The inflammation levels before and eight weeks after the vaccination will be compared. Changes in blood biomarkers and immune cell activity will also be analysed, exploring potential pathways that explain how the vaccine might help limit damaging inflammation in the heart.
By focusing on patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), the research aims to explore the effects of the vaccine in a more homogeneous group of participants. This approach builds on earlier findings that influenza vaccination may have a stronger impact on this subset of patients.
Ultimately, the study seeks to uncover detailed immune responses to AMI and influenza vaccination, which could help tailor future treatments for heart disease and guide personalised cardiovascular therapies. The results may lead to new interventions, improving heart attack recovery and reducing the long-term risks associated with cardiovascular disease.
This multi-centre research study is a collaboration effort with Örebro University Hospital in Sweden, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford. This study is currently approved and being conducted in Örebro University Hospital in Sweden and Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will sponsor and lead the study in parallel in the UK.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0201
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion