Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT) Clinical Trials

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a rare inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome characterized by exercise- or catecholamine (epinephrine/adrenaline)-induced bidirectional or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia with high risk of sudden cardiac death. Autosomal dominant CPVT (most common, ~70% of cases) results from mutations in the RYR2 gene encoding cardiac ryanodine receptor (calcium release channel in sarcoplasmic reticulum), while autosomal recessive forms result from CASQ2 mutations encoding calsequestrin-2 (calcium-binding protein). These mutations impair intracellular calcium handling and cycling, causing abnormal calcium dynamics within myocytes that trigger ectopic activity.

The most common symptoms of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia include Syncope triggered by stress, emotion, or exercise, Polymorphic or bidirectional ventricular tachycardia, Sudden cardiac death risk, especially in children, Palpitations and light-headedness, Normal baseline ECG, among others. Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people (estimated). Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia from ClinicalTrials.gov, with eligibility criteria translated into plain English. Patients can filter by trial phase and recruitment status, search by location, and use the Match Me tool to score trials against their profile. Clinical trials are investigating beta-blockers, calcium channel modulators, and other agents for CPVT management and efficacy optimization. Beta-blockers remain first-line therapy, substantially reducing arrhythmia inducibility and sudden death risk.

As of September 2026, Trial Friend's curated drug index does not include an FDA-approved treatment specific to Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. The Treatments section of this page checks FDA drug labels live and lists any approved drug whose label names the condition, and the trials listed below cover the investigational options.

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia is caused by variants in the RYR2 and CASQ2 genes. RYR2 explains about half of cases and CASQ2 up to 5%; roughly half of RYR2 cases are de novo.

It follows autosomal dominant (RYR2) or autosomal recessive (CASQ2) inheritance. The condition affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people (estimated). Genetic testing confirms the diagnosis.

Yes. Genetic testing for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia looks at the RYR2 and CASQ2 genes. RYR2 explains about half of cases and CASQ2 up to 5%; roughly half of RYR2 cases are de novo.

It follows autosomal dominant (RYR2) or autosomal recessive (CASQ2) inheritance.

A confirmed variant establishes the diagnosis and is often required to enroll in gene-specific trials. The labs currently offering the test are listed in the Genetic Testing section of this page, pulled live from the NIH Genetic Testing Registry. A genetic counselor can help interpret the result and decide which relatives should be tested.

Eligibility for Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia clinical trials depends on factors like age, diagnosis, treatment history, and overall health. Each trial sets its own inclusion and exclusion criteria. Trial Friend translates these requirements from medical language into plain English so patients can review them more easily. The Match Me tool can score your profile against active trials to help identify studies that may be a fit.

Participating in a Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia clinical trial typically involves scheduled visits, medical tests, and close monitoring by a research team. Depending on the study phase, you may receive an investigational treatment, a placebo, or the current standard of care. Trials may last from a few weeks to several years. Study participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.