Heart Failure – Encouraging Phase II Results From GLP-1 Program

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced encouraging results from a Phase 2 dose-titration study of drug candidate AC2592, which utilizes continuous subcutaneous infusion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients ineligible for transplant. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced encouraging results from a Phase 2 dose-titration study of drug candidate AC2592, which utilizes continuous subcutaneous infusion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients ineligible for transplant. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut.Subjects showed general improvement in a composite score designed to quantify quality of life and cardiac function while receiving study medication. The score returned to baseline when medication was discontinued. The severity of heart failure, as indicated by NYHA class, also improved during AC2592 administration. The most common adverse event reported was mild to moderate nausea.”The results of this study suggest that AC2592 has the potential to benefit patients with severe congestive heart failure and support continuation of the program,” said Alain Baron, “We continue to improve our understanding of the function and characteristics of gut hormones and are encouraged by the potential this novel application of the GLP-1 hormone shows as a metabolic approach to treating CHF.” (Source: M.S.W.: ZoeMed: Cardiac Life Centre: 4th August 2003)