The effect of BMS-582949, a P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38 MAPK) inhibitor on arterial inflammation: A multicenter FDG- PET trial

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) inhibitor, BMS-582949, on atherosclerotic plaque inflammation, using 18 FDG-PET imaging. p38MAPK is an important element of inflammatory pathways in atherothrombosis and its inhibition may lead to reduced inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Subjects with documented atherosclerosis (n ¼ 72) on stable low-dose statin therapy and having at least one lesion with active atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in either aorta or carotid arteries were randomized to BMS-582949 (100 mg once daily), placebo, or atorvastatin (80 mg once daily), for 12 weeks. Arterial inflammation was assessed using 18 FDG-PET/CT imaging of the carotid ar