Pharmaceutics

This page contains key pharmaceutical news on drug recalls, FDA clearance, safety communications and research. In cardiology, key pharmaceutic agents include antiplatelet therapies, anticoagulants, hypertension drugs, and drugs for heart failure and arrhythmias.   

New data from the Phase 3 RAPID clinical trial of etripamil, an investigational calcium channel blocker nasal spray, showed positive results in converting paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) to normal sinus rhythm in the at-home setting. The presentation was featured during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2022 Scientific Sessions. #AHA22

Nasal spray for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia enters US market

New drug allows patients to self-treat PSVT. About 2 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with condition.

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New injectable therapy could help limit brain damage in stroke patients

Early research suggests a single injection could reduce both brain damage and inflammation if delivered after a patient experiences a stroke. Much more research is still needed, but the new therapy showed significant potential. 

heart drugs with stethoscope

Heart failure patients on quadruple medical therapy still face considerable risks

Most patients hospitalized for HFrEF are still not being prescribed quadruple medical therapy at discharge. Even those who are, researchers noted, still face a high risk of dying or returning to the hospital for heart failure-related symptoms. 

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Faster treatments, better outcomes: 5 key takeaways from new stroke guideline

The American Stroke Association's first major update in 7 years highlights the importance of coordinated care and expands patient access to critical treatments. It also includes the first detailed recommendations for treating stroke in pediatric patients.

cannabis weed marijuana heart health doctor cardiologist

Heavy cannabis use may not impact heart surgery outcomes

Cannabis use has been linked to multiple cardiovascular risks, but less is known about how it may affect patients who undergo major cardiac surgery.

Gene editing software image from Scribe Therapeutics for its STX-1150 drug to treat LDL-C.

Coming soon: First-in-human study of gene-modifying drug for hypercholesterolemia

Gene-editing drugs have shown potential to treat a wide variety of diseases, and this will be one of the first in cardiovascular medicine to begin human trials.

Anthony Fletcher, MD, FACC FAHA, FSCAI, president of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), and an interventional cardiologist at CHI St. Vincent Heart Clinic Arkansas, Little Rock, explains the results of a recent ABC survey looking at the level of awareness among providers and communities in cardiology care deserts in the South. He said there was a poor level of understanding about LDL-C management and Lp(a) awareness among both primary care providers and patients in these underserved areas.

New ABC campaign works to improve care in cardiology deserts

Association of Black Cardiologists President Anthony Fletcher, MD, discusses the group's efforts to educate patients in Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi.

heart doctor cardiologist

New-look heart failure treatment shows early promise

Reducing the activity of a specific protein could provide significant relief for many heart failure patients.