Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Clinical Trials

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a genetic connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in the COL3A1 gene, which affects the production of type III collagen. This protein is essential for maintaining the strength and elasticity of blood vessels, internal organs, and skin. People with vEDS have extremely fragile arteries and hollow organs that can rupture or dissect with minimal provocation, sometimes even from normal activities.

The most common symptoms of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome include Thin, translucent skin with visible veins, Easy bruising and early-onset varicose veins, Distinctive facial features: thin lips, small chin, large eyes, narrow nose, Arterial ruptures, dissection, and aneurysms, Gastrointestinal perforation, among others. Estimated 1 in 150,000 to 1 in 200,000 people; likely higher due to underdiagnosis. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may vary between individuals.

Trial Friend lists all active clinical trials for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 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 for vEDS are exploring medications that may reduce vascular complications. The DiSCOVER trial is evaluating celiprolol, a beta blocker already used off-label in Europe that may help stabilize arterial walls.

As of September 2026, Trial Friend's curated drug index does not include an FDA-approved treatment specific to Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. 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.

Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is caused by variants in the COL3A1 gene. Most cases are COL3A1; rare cases involve specific COL1A1 variants, and many are de novo.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it. Estimated 1 in 150,000 to 1 in 200,000 people; likely higher due to underdiagnosis. Genetic testing confirms the diagnosis.

Yes. Genetic testing for Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome looks at the COL3A1 gene. Most cases are COL3A1; rare cases involve specific COL1A1 variants, and many are de novo.

It is autosomal dominant, so each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it.

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 Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 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 Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome 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.