Arena Pharmaceuticals has secured that fast track designation for its drug candidate APD418 from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of decompensated heart failure (DHF).

APD418 is a β3-adrenergic receptor (AdrR) antagonist and cardiac myotrope.

According to the San Diego-based biopharma company, APD418 is a selective antagonist that has been designed to improve cardiac contractility, while having minimal effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption. Due to this functionality, the drug candidate can potentially avoid adverse events that are otherwise associated with existing inotrope therapies.

Chris Cabell – Arena Pharmaceuticals Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer said: “With approximately 10 million DHF patient hospital visits expected in the US by 2025 and few viable treatment options, we believe that APD418 has the potential to make a significant impact for these patients.

“We are pleased with the Fast Track designation and look forward to advancing this program as part of our cardiovascular focus.”

  Arena Pharmaceuticals, blood pressure, heart failure, US Food and Drug Administration, USA