Bucindolol: a beta-blocker for the treatment of heart failure

Two beta-blockers are approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF): carvedilol and metoprolol XL. Bucindolol, an investigational agent under FDA review for the treatment of HF, is a nonspecific beta-blocker with weak alpha-blocking properties that may or may not possess intrinsic sympathomimetic...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inFormulary (Cleveland, Ohio) Vol. 44; no. 6; p. 166
Main Authors Reinhart, Kurt M, White, C. Michael
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published North Olmsted Intellisphere, LLC 01.06.2009
MultiMedia Healthcare Inc
Subjects
ACE inhibitors
Adrenergic receptors
Beta blockers
Clinical trials
Disease
Diuretics
Drug dosages
Drug therapy
FDA approval
Heart attacks
Heart failure
Hospitalization
Mortality
Patient outcomes
Patients
Pharmacokinetics
Studies
United States
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:Two beta-blockers are approved for the treatment of heart failure (HF): carvedilol and metoprolol XL. Bucindolol, an investigational agent under FDA review for the treatment of HF, is a nonspecific beta-blocker with weak alpha-blocking properties that may or may not possess intrinsic sympathomimetic activity. The largest and most comprehensive clinical trial evaluating the effect of bucindolol on HF outcomes was the Beta-Blocker Evaluation of Survival Trial (BEST). This randomized, placebo-controlled trial was terminated early because of an inability to demonstrate a survival benefit with bucindolol versus placebo. However, subsequent analyses from BEST have demonstrated benefits in discrete subgroups, including a genetically identified subgroup. If approved, bucindolol may become the first genetically targeted medication for the treatment of HF. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1082-801X
1938-1166