Pfizer receives new UK approval for Inspra

Pfizer has been granted a new UK approval for its drug Inspra to be used for the treatment of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in adult patients with chronic heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

The drug has been ratified for use in addition to standard optimal therapy after showing in clinical studies that it can cut the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalisation by 37 percent among this patient group.

Current heart failure treatment options have proven insufficient to prevent frequent hospitalisations and reduced life expectancy, causing distress for patients and incurring costs for the NHS.

Martin Cowie, professor of cardiology at Imperial College and consultant cardiologist at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, said: "New strategies that have the potential to reduce these costs as well as extending patients' lives are particularly welcome during these times of increased financial pressure."

Earlier this year, the company was granted a recommendation from the All Wales Medicine Strategy Group for its Dupuytren's contracture therapy Xiapex to be used among Welsh NHS patients.