Corlanor is the First New Chronic Heart Failure Medicine Approved by the FDA in Nearly a Decade
THOUSAND OAKS, CA, USA I April 15, 2015 I Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of Corlanor® (ivabradine), an oral medication indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 percent, who are in sinus rhythm with resting heart rate ≥70 beats per minute (bpm) and either are on maximally tolerated doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication to beta blocker use.
Heart failure is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the U.S., about half of which have reduced left ventricular function.1,2 Despite broad use of standard treatments, the prognosis for patients with heart failure is poor.3 Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from 2012 estimates.1
“We are excited to introduce Corlanor, the first new chronic heart failure medicine approved by the FDA in nearly a decade, for patients who are at a significantly greater risk of hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in the U.S.,” said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “Many heart failure patients are repeatedly admitted to the hospital, which can cause a great burden on the patient and on healthcare resources. We hope that today’s approval of Corlanor as an innovative therapeutic option will address a major unmet need for patients, their families and the healthcare system.”
Heart failure costs an estimated $31 billion in the U.S. each year, with the majority of the cost related to hospitalizations.4 By 2030, the cost of heart failure in the U.S. is expected to increase almost 127 percent totaling $70 billion.4
“The approval of Corlanor is an important step forward for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure in the U.S. Because its mechanism of action is unique, it will complement the use of standard heart failure therapies, including beta blockers,” said Jeffrey S. Borer, M.D., professor of Medicine, Cell Biology, Radiology and Surgery, and chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. “Despite beta blockade and other therapies, many people with chronic heart failure continue to suffer hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure. For these patients, when heart rate is greater than or equal to 70 bpm, Corlanor may be an appropriate treatment option and can be expected to add benefit.”
Corlanor blocks the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel responsible for the cardiac pacemaker, which regulates heart rate. Corlanor reduces the spontaneous pacemaker activity of the cardiac sinus node by selectively inhibiting the If current (“funny” current) to slow the heart rate with no effect on ventricular repolarization and no effects on myocardial contractility.5
The Corlanor approval is based on global clinical trial data including a large, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, outcomes trial. The Phase 3 SHIFT (Systolic Heart failure treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine Trial) study compared Corlanor to placebo on top of standard of care (SOC) therapies, including beta blockers, in more than 6,500 clinically stable (≥4 weeks) patients in sinus rhythm with reduced left ventricular function (LVEF ≤35 percent) and heart rate ≥70 bpm, with a hospitalization for heart failure within the past 12 months. Patients received SOC, including beta blockers (89 percent), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) (91 percent), diuretics (83 percent) and anti-aldosterone agents (60 percent).
Results from the Phase 3 SHIFT study showed Corlanor significantly reduced the risk of the primary composite endpoint of hospitalization or cardiovascular death for worsening heart failure, with 18 percent relative risk reduction (RRR) (p<0.0001, 4.2 percent absolute risk reduction [ARR]) versus placebo. The treatment effect reflected only a reduction in the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure; there was no favorable effect on the mortality component of the primary endpoint. There was a 26 percent RRR (4.7 percent ARR) in the risk of hospitalizations for worsening heart failure.
The most common adverse drug reactions in the SHIFT study occurring in ≥1 percent of patients on Corlanor compared to placebo were bradycardia (10 percent vs. 2.2 percent), hypertension or increased blood pressure (8.9 percent vs. 7.8 percent), atrial fibrillation (8.3 percent vs. 6.6 percent), and luminous phenomena (phosphenes) or visual brightness (2.8 percent vs. 0.5 percent).
The recommended starting dose of Corlanor is a 5 mg tablet twice daily with meals. After two weeks of treatment, the dose should be assessed and adjusted depending on heart rate. In patients with a history of conduction defects, or other patients in whom bradycardia could lead to hemodynamic compromise, initiate therapy at 2.5 mg twice daily before increasing the dose based on heart rate.
Corlanor is expected to be available to patients in approximately one week.
About Corlanor® (ivabradine)
Corlanor blocks the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel responsible for the cardiac pacemaker, which regulates heart rate. Corlanor reduces the spontaneous pacemaker activity of the cardiac sinus node by selectively inhibiting the If current (“funny” current) to slow the heart rate with no effect on ventricular repolarization and no effects on myocardial contractility.5 Corlanor was developed by Les Laboratoires Servier. Through a collaboration with Servier, Amgen has rights to commercialize Corlanor in the U.S.
Important U.S. Product Information
Corlanor® is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, who are in sinus rhythm with resting heart rate ≥ 70 beats per minute (bpm) and either are on maximally tolerated doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication to beta blocker use.
Important Safety Information
- Contraindications: Corlanor® is contraindicated in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, blood pressure < 90/50 mmHg, sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, 3rd degree AV block (unless a functioning demand pacemaker is present), a resting heart rate < 60 bpm prior to treatment, severe hepatic impairment, pacemaker dependence (heart rate imposed exclusively by the pacemaker) and concomitant use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors.
- Fetal Toxicity: Corlanor® may cause fetal toxicity when administered to a pregnant woman.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Corlanor® increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. The rate of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with Corlanor® compared to placebo was 5% vs. 3.9% per patient-year, respectively.
- Bradycardia and Conduction Disturbances: Bradycardia, sinus arrest and heart block have occurred with Corlanor®. Concurrent use of verapamil or diltiazem also increases Corlanor® exposure and should be avoided. Avoid use of Corlanor® in patients with 2nd degree atrioventricular block unless a functioning demand pacemaker is present.
- Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse drug reactions in the SHIFT study occurring in ≥ 1% higher on Corlanor® than placebo were bradycardia (10% vs. 2.2%), hypertension or increased blood pressure (8.9% vs. 7.8%), atrial fibrillation (8.3% vs. 6.6%), and luminous phenomena (phosphenes) or visual brightness (2.8% vs. 0.5%).
Please contact Amgen Medinfo at 800-77-AMGEN (800-772-6436) regarding Corlanor availability or find out more information, including full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, at www.amgen.com.
About Amgen Cardiovascular
Building on more than three decades of experience in developing biotechnology medicines for patients with serious illnesses, Amgen is dedicated to addressing important scientific questions to advance care and improve the lives of patients with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.6 Amgen’s research into cardiovascular disease, and potential treatment options, is part of a growing competency at Amgen that utilizes human genetics to identify and validate certain drug targets. Through its own research and development efforts, as well as partnerships, Amgen is building a robust cardiovascular pipeline consisting of several investigational molecules in an effort to address a number of today’s important unmet patient needs, such as high cholesterol and heart failure.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
SOURCE: Amgen
Post Views: 230
Corlanor is the First New Chronic Heart Failure Medicine Approved by the FDA in Nearly a Decade
THOUSAND OAKS, CA, USA I April 15, 2015 I Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval of Corlanor® (ivabradine), an oral medication indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35 percent, who are in sinus rhythm with resting heart rate ≥70 beats per minute (bpm) and either are on maximally tolerated doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication to beta blocker use.
Heart failure is a common condition that affects approximately 5.7 million people in the U.S., about half of which have reduced left ventricular function.1,2 Despite broad use of standard treatments, the prognosis for patients with heart failure is poor.3 Projections show that by 2030, the prevalence of heart failure will increase 46 percent from 2012 estimates.1
“We are excited to introduce Corlanor, the first new chronic heart failure medicine approved by the FDA in nearly a decade, for patients who are at a significantly greater risk of hospitalization due to worsening heart failure in the U.S.,” said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. “Many heart failure patients are repeatedly admitted to the hospital, which can cause a great burden on the patient and on healthcare resources. We hope that today’s approval of Corlanor as an innovative therapeutic option will address a major unmet need for patients, their families and the healthcare system.”
Heart failure costs an estimated $31 billion in the U.S. each year, with the majority of the cost related to hospitalizations.4 By 2030, the cost of heart failure in the U.S. is expected to increase almost 127 percent totaling $70 billion.4
“The approval of Corlanor is an important step forward for the treatment of patients with chronic heart failure in the U.S. Because its mechanism of action is unique, it will complement the use of standard heart failure therapies, including beta blockers,” said Jeffrey S. Borer, M.D., professor of Medicine, Cell Biology, Radiology and Surgery, and chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. “Despite beta blockade and other therapies, many people with chronic heart failure continue to suffer hospitalizations due to worsening heart failure. For these patients, when heart rate is greater than or equal to 70 bpm, Corlanor may be an appropriate treatment option and can be expected to add benefit.”
Corlanor blocks the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel responsible for the cardiac pacemaker, which regulates heart rate. Corlanor reduces the spontaneous pacemaker activity of the cardiac sinus node by selectively inhibiting the If current (“funny” current) to slow the heart rate with no effect on ventricular repolarization and no effects on myocardial contractility.5
The Corlanor approval is based on global clinical trial data including a large, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, outcomes trial. The Phase 3 SHIFT (Systolic Heart failure treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine Trial) study compared Corlanor to placebo on top of standard of care (SOC) therapies, including beta blockers, in more than 6,500 clinically stable (≥4 weeks) patients in sinus rhythm with reduced left ventricular function (LVEF ≤35 percent) and heart rate ≥70 bpm, with a hospitalization for heart failure within the past 12 months. Patients received SOC, including beta blockers (89 percent), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) (91 percent), diuretics (83 percent) and anti-aldosterone agents (60 percent).
Results from the Phase 3 SHIFT study showed Corlanor significantly reduced the risk of the primary composite endpoint of hospitalization or cardiovascular death for worsening heart failure, with 18 percent relative risk reduction (RRR) (p<0.0001, 4.2 percent absolute risk reduction [ARR]) versus placebo. The treatment effect reflected only a reduction in the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure; there was no favorable effect on the mortality component of the primary endpoint. There was a 26 percent RRR (4.7 percent ARR) in the risk of hospitalizations for worsening heart failure.
The most common adverse drug reactions in the SHIFT study occurring in ≥1 percent of patients on Corlanor compared to placebo were bradycardia (10 percent vs. 2.2 percent), hypertension or increased blood pressure (8.9 percent vs. 7.8 percent), atrial fibrillation (8.3 percent vs. 6.6 percent), and luminous phenomena (phosphenes) or visual brightness (2.8 percent vs. 0.5 percent).
The recommended starting dose of Corlanor is a 5 mg tablet twice daily with meals. After two weeks of treatment, the dose should be assessed and adjusted depending on heart rate. In patients with a history of conduction defects, or other patients in whom bradycardia could lead to hemodynamic compromise, initiate therapy at 2.5 mg twice daily before increasing the dose based on heart rate.
Corlanor is expected to be available to patients in approximately one week.
About Corlanor® (ivabradine)
Corlanor blocks the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel responsible for the cardiac pacemaker, which regulates heart rate. Corlanor reduces the spontaneous pacemaker activity of the cardiac sinus node by selectively inhibiting the If current (“funny” current) to slow the heart rate with no effect on ventricular repolarization and no effects on myocardial contractility.5 Corlanor was developed by Les Laboratoires Servier. Through a collaboration with Servier, Amgen has rights to commercialize Corlanor in the U.S.
Important U.S. Product Information
Corlanor® is indicated to reduce the risk of hospitalization for worsening heart failure in patients with stable, symptomatic chronic heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 35%, who are in sinus rhythm with resting heart rate ≥ 70 beats per minute (bpm) and either are on maximally tolerated doses of beta blockers or have a contraindication to beta blocker use.
Important Safety Information
- Contraindications: Corlanor® is contraindicated in patients with acute decompensated heart failure, blood pressure < 90/50 mmHg, sick sinus syndrome, sinoatrial block, 3rd degree AV block (unless a functioning demand pacemaker is present), a resting heart rate < 60 bpm prior to treatment, severe hepatic impairment, pacemaker dependence (heart rate imposed exclusively by the pacemaker) and concomitant use of strong cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors.
- Fetal Toxicity: Corlanor® may cause fetal toxicity when administered to a pregnant woman.
- Atrial Fibrillation: Corlanor® increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. The rate of atrial fibrillation in patients treated with Corlanor® compared to placebo was 5% vs. 3.9% per patient-year, respectively.
- Bradycardia and Conduction Disturbances: Bradycardia, sinus arrest and heart block have occurred with Corlanor®. Concurrent use of verapamil or diltiazem also increases Corlanor® exposure and should be avoided. Avoid use of Corlanor® in patients with 2nd degree atrioventricular block unless a functioning demand pacemaker is present.
- Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse drug reactions in the SHIFT study occurring in ≥ 1% higher on Corlanor® than placebo were bradycardia (10% vs. 2.2%), hypertension or increased blood pressure (8.9% vs. 7.8%), atrial fibrillation (8.3% vs. 6.6%), and luminous phenomena (phosphenes) or visual brightness (2.8% vs. 0.5%).
Please contact Amgen Medinfo at 800-77-AMGEN (800-772-6436) regarding Corlanor availability or find out more information, including full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, at www.amgen.com.
About Amgen Cardiovascular
Building on more than three decades of experience in developing biotechnology medicines for patients with serious illnesses, Amgen is dedicated to addressing important scientific questions to advance care and improve the lives of patients with cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.6 Amgen’s research into cardiovascular disease, and potential treatment options, is part of a growing competency at Amgen that utilizes human genetics to identify and validate certain drug targets. Through its own research and development efforts, as well as partnerships, Amgen is building a robust cardiovascular pipeline consisting of several investigational molecules in an effort to address a number of today’s important unmet patient needs, such as high cholesterol and heart failure.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its biologics manufacturing expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
SOURCE: Amgen
Post Views: 230
