POLYPILL REACHES CLINICAL TESTING PHASE
POLYPILL REACHES CLINICAL TESTING PHASE
World Congress of Cardiology, Buenos Aires, 19th May 2008 – Two years on from the announcement of its intention to advocate for the development of the polypill for post myocardial infarction (heart attack) patients, the World Heart Federation can report that the polypill has now reached the clinical testing phase.
Led by Dr Valentin Fuster, immediate past president of the World Heart Federation, it is the result of collaboration between the Spanish National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC), of which Dr Fuster is Scientific President, and the Ferrer laboratory in Spain.
It is hoped in dollar terms that the new pill, a combination of aspirin, statin and ACE inhibitor, will be available for a single-figure monthly outlay. It has already been reviewed by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and now moves forward to the clinical trial phase to test further parameters related with pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics.
In September last year Dr Fuster, head of clinical and research cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in the USA, chaired a meeting of 20 scientists and corporate representatives for the purpose of sharing
information on the various initiatives to develop a polypill. “Today, within one year of a myocardial infarction, between a third and half of all patients are not taking the three drugs they need and are not correcting their risk factors,” said Dr Fuster.
“There are a variety of explanations for this behaviour, but the polypill will be more affordable, more available and a more convenient method of treatment. However it should be stressed that the FDA will only accept the pill if each individual ingredient is critical for the prolongation of life. Therefore the polypill is aimed only at secondary prevention, helping to prevent heart attack patients suffering a recurrence. It is not intended for primary prevention or daily use by people with no history of heart attack.”
The potential value of applying the polypill strategy just for high-risk patients has recently been recognized by the World Health Organization and the World Heart Federation will continue to stimulate the scientific debate and advocate for the production and delivery of the polypill.
Ends
About the World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation is a nongovernmental organization based in Geneva, Switzerland dedicated to the prevention and control of heart disease and stroke, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. It comprises 196 member societies of cardiology and heart foundations from over 100 countries covering the regions of Asia-Pacific, Europe, East Mediterranean, the Americas and Africa.
www.worldheart.org and www.worldcardiocongress.org
The Argentine Society of Cardiology
The Argentine Society of Cardiology (SAC) was founded in 1937 and it is one of the world's oldest cardiology societies. Its members include many prestigious historical figures internationally recognized for their contributions to science including one Nobel Prize winner. SAC has more than 6,500 members in various categories including doctors, nurses and technicians. It has 36 Regional Districts spread over the entire national territory and 20 scientific councils representing all the subspecialties of cardiology. It conducts continuous and intensive teaching with courses in all subspecialties, grants the certification of cardiologists with the endorsement of various universities and conducts a programme of recertification training.
Other important areas of its role include research, with epidemiological surveys, clinical research studies and the “Consensus” which sets standards for diagnosis and treatment of major cardiovascular diseases. The society acts as advisor to both legislative chambers of the national parliament and it has established a community focused institution, the Argentine Foundation of Cardiology, to educate and prevent cardiovascular disease as well as running and dictating courses on cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
www.sac.org.ar
The Argentine Federation of Cardiology
The Argentine Federation of Cardiology (FAC) is a scientific institution comprised of 37 cardiology organizations and 11 delegations from the Republic of Argentina. Its mission is to promote the harmonious and integrated development of Argentine cardiology to promote cardiovascular health. The Federation has 22 scientific committees with subspecialties devoted to research and scientific output. FAC publishes a hierarchical Scientific Magazine and through its Educational Programmes, develops regular activity focusing on immediate post-graduate education.
It also works closely with the CARDIO Foundation dealing with subjects related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and health education in the community.
www.fac.org.ar
The World Heart Federation Press Team:
Victoria Dix / Pablo Retamal
Telephone: +41 22 908 4071 / +41 79 707 7592
During WCC 08 Telephone: 0054 9 11 5949 0432
Email: victoria.dix(at)cohnwolfe.com
www.cwnewsroom.ch
The local press team:
Consultora Paradigma - Pel Comunicación
Patricia Blanco / Ma. Eugenia De la Fuente / Laura Torres Cárdenas
Larrea 1375 6° of. 24 (1117) Buenos Aires
Tel. 54 11 4828-0081
info(at)e-paradigma.com.ar