![]() The results were emphatic enough for researchers to bring the trial to an early close after 27 months. LCZ696 also reduced hospitalisation for heart failure by 21% and improved the symptoms and physical limitations of heart failure more than enalapril. Both this 20% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes and 16% reduction in death from any cause were highly statistically significant and clinically important. A further 711 (17%) of patients receiving LCZ696 and 835 (19.8%) of those receiving enalapril died of any cause. The researchers wanted to compare mortality rates and hospitalisation for heart failure.Įarly results showed that 914 (21.8%) of patients in the LCZ696 group died of cardiovascular causes, compared with 1117 (26.5%) in the enalapril group. ![]() In the news: Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, The Independent, New Straits Times, Evening StandardĪ double-blind trial called PARADIGM-HF saw 8,442 patients with heart failure given either 200mg twice daily of LCZ696 or 10mg twice daily of enalapril, in addition to recommended therapy. “By having this dual effect LCZ696 had extra beneficial actions compared with enalapril and in this way improved patient outcomes.” All of these actions unload the failing heart. Several of these beneficial substances stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine, to excrete sodium and water, and act to relax blood vessels. “What this new drug LCZ696 does is simultaneously inhibit the bad hormones – like enalapril - but in addition boosts the production of beneficial hormones. “Enalapril works by blocking or inhibiting these hormones and by doing so slows down or even reverses the progressive worsening of the condition. “Over time, the constant production of these hormones further damages the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. These hormones constrict blood vessels and make it harder for the failing heart to squeeze blood into these vessels. Prof McMurray said: “When the heart muscle is damaged the body responds to the low flow of blood by stimulating the production of hormones like angiotensin II and noradrenaline. Heart failure occurs when the heart has been damaged – by a heart attack for example – and can no longer pump blood around the body as effectively as it used to. This is a major advance in the treatment of this terrible problem.” Professor John McMurray of the University of Glasgow, Co-leader of the trial, said: “We have what we believe is a much more effective replacement for one of the gold standard drugs for the treatment of heart failure. The researchers, writing in the New England Journal of Medicine, say the new compound LCZ696 can replace enalapril as the first choice treatment of heart failure. A new drug that outperforms the current gold-standard treatment for heart failure may soon benefit patients.Ī clinical trial of the new drug was brought to an early close after results showed a better survival rate compared to the current best treatment. ![]()
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