University of Arizona researchers think they may have developed an effective treatment for heart failure.

Heart failure is a condition in which a weakened heart fails to pump properly.

Liquid builds up around the muscle and blood moves sluggishly, often affecting a patient’s quality of life.

UA scientists are conduct ing human testing on a synthetic version of a thyroid hormone.

A cure for heart failure is the goal of the phase 2 study, said Dr. Eugene Morkin, 72, co-director of the UA’s Sarver Heart Center. He is the leading member of the team that development the drug for the treatment

Patients with the condition are being sought to participate in the study.

The drug, DITPA (an acronym for diiodothyropropionic acid), if found safe and effective, could dramatically improve the quality of life and longevity for the 10 to 12 million people suffering from heart failure, the doctor said.

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