The myocardial infarction (MI) therapeutics landscape is experiencing significant activity, with over 45 pharmaceutical companies actively developing more than 50 potential drugs. This surge in research and development is driven by the growing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and advancements in diagnostic and treatment options.
Key Players and Pipeline Therapies
Several key players are at the forefront of this therapeutic innovation. Kancera, Taiwan Bio Therapeutics, Translational Sciences, RION, Mesoblast, Faraday Pharmaceuticals, Idorsia Pharmaceuticals, Celecor Therapeutics, ResoTher Pharma, BioCardia, TRPHARM, and Boehringer Ingelheim are among the companies evaluating new drugs to improve the treatment landscape for myocardial infarction.
Promising pipeline therapies in various phases of clinical trials include:
- KAND567 (Kancera)
- TWB201 (Taiwan Bio Therapeutics)
- TS 23 (Translational Sciences)
- Purified exosome product (RION)
- MPC-25-IC (Mesoblast)
- FDY-5301 (Faraday Pharmaceuticals)
- Selatogrel (Idorsia Pharmaceuticals)
- Zalunfiban (Celecor Therapeutics)
- RTP026 (ResoTher Pharma)
- CardiALLO cell therapy (BioCardia)
- Goflikicept (TRPHARM)
- BI765845 (Boehringer Ingelheim)
Recent Clinical Trial Developments
Recent months have seen notable progress in clinical trials for myocardial infarction therapies. In July 2024, CellProthera initiated the 'PERFECT' study, a long-term follow-up to the Phase I/IIb EXCELLENT trial, which assessed ProtheraCytes in patients post-severe heart attack. Faraday Pharmaceuticals completed enrollment in its Phase III Iocyte AMI-3 trial of FDY-5301 in June 2024.
In February 2024, Viatris secured exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize selatogrel, a self-administered medicine for patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Also in February 2024, Global Biotechnology announced top-line results from the Phase III AEGIS-II trial evaluating CSL112 (apolipoprotein A-I [human]) compared to placebo in reducing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) following AMI.
Faraday Pharmaceuticals also announced an agreement with the FDA on a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) amendment in January 2024, facilitating an expedited interim analysis for its planned Phase III study.
Understanding Myocardial Infarction
Myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to the death of heart muscle tissue due to ischemia. The most common cause is coronary artery disease, often resulting from the rupture of unstable plaque and subsequent coronary artery blockage (Type 1 MI). Type 2 MI arises from an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand, potentially due to systemic hypotension or vasospasm. Clinically, MI manifests as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), a life-threatening condition.
Diagnosis involves assessing clinical symptoms, ECG changes, and elevated cardiac biomarkers. Cardiac catheterization is crucial for definitive confirmation and treatment, allowing for emergency revascularization. Treatment strategies include anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, statins, and supportive therapies. Secondary prevention typically involves dual antiplatelet therapy, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and lifestyle modifications to address modifiable risk factors.
