11/99 - A study on a new CHF drug was presented at the American Heart
Association Scientific Sessions. The new drug, called omapatrilat, is of a
new class of compounds called vasopeptidase inhibitors.
	The results of this study, combined with others, suggest that the use
of omapatrilat may reduce deaths and hospitalizations from CHF by almost 30%,
says Jean-Lucien Rouleau MD.
	A CHF treatment mainstay known as ACE inhibitors, interfere with the
body's production of angiotensin, a chemical that causes arteries to
constrict. The problem with ACE inhibitors, according to Rouleau, is that they
do not work on all substances in the body that cause constriction of arteries.
	The new drug works in 2 ways. Like ACE inhibitors, it blocks the
action of angiotensin. Omapatrilat also neutralizes a substance called neutral
endopeptidase, causing blood vessels to relax. "Omapatrilat is the first drug
in this class and it may be better than the ACE inhibitor class," says
Rouleau.
	In the study, 289 patients took 40mg of omapatrilat daily and 284
patients took 20mg of lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, for 24 weeks. The
patients' average age was 64 years and 79% were male. All had mild to moderate
CHF.
	After 12 weeks of therapy, the patients' performance on treadmill
tests improved in both treatment groups. Measurements of cardiovascular and
overall clinical function also improved. Side effects included diarrhea and
mild dizziness. Improvement was seen in death rates and hospitalization for
worsening heart failure. Only 16 patients in the omapatrilat group experienced
any of these adverse events, while 29 did in the lisinopril group.
	A new study of omapatrilat called OVERTURE (Omapatrilat Versus
Enalapril Randomized Trial of Utility in Reducing Event), has already started.
It will enroll 4,420 patients.
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Jon's note: If anyone has a serious desire to contact Dr. Rouleau, let me
know. Also, my CHF doctor is a co-author of this study so if you want more
details for some reason, please be very specific in what you want to know and
e-mail me with that request.