Veliciguat, a new treatment option for heart failure!

Vericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator. Heart failure is associated with impaired synthesis of vitamin C and reduced activity of NO and sGC, which may lead to myocardial and vascular dysfunction. Outpatient intravenous diuretics can reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure (HF) due to hospitalization or need for treatment. Today let’s take a detailed look at the new option for heart failure treatment, veliciguat!

The new drug veliciguat was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2021 for the treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). In adults with symptomatic chronic heart failure, the injection rate is less than 45%. Vericiguat is an oral medication with a starting dose of 2.5 mg taken orally daily with food. The main adverse effects of this drug are hypotension and anemia. However, it should be noted that it is contraindicated in pregnant women, and this drug cannot be used simultaneously with other soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) stimulators.

So, how effective is vericiguat in treating heart failure?

A randomized trial in which 456 patients with malignant chronic heart failure and LVEF ≤45% within 4 weeks participated in the treatment, divided into placebo and velicigat groups. Study data showed that log-transformed changes in NT-proBNP levels were not significantly different in the combined veliciguat group (log-transformed: baseline, 7.969; 12 weeks, 7.567; difference, −0.402; geometric mean: baseline, 2890 pg/mL; 12 weeks, 1932 pg/mL) and placebo groups. Secondary analysis showed a dose-dependent effect, with higher doses of veliciguat being more effective in lowering NT-proBNP.

Note: The above information comes from the Internet and is compiled and edited by Medical Companion Travel (please correct me if there are any errors or omissions). It is only to provide information on the latest drugs on the market in the world and help Chinese patients understand the latest international new drug trends. It is only for internal discussion among medical staff and does not serve as any basis for medication. For specific medication guidelines, please consult the attending physician.

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