Sanofi-aventis secures approval for new heart attack drug

Sanofi-aventis has been given approval for its new drug that aims to prevent heart attacks, it was announced today.

The FDA has approved the antiplatelet Plavix, which “reduces the rate of death” in patients suffering from acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infraction (Stemi). Manufacturers say the drug also reduces the rates of stroke and of endpoint re-infraction.

Stemi refers to a condition when the coronary artery is completely blocked up by clot formations in arteries, which is a characteristic of atherothrombosis. The FDA approved the drug based on clinical trials conducted among 48,000 patients where Plavix was administered to patients alongside aspirin and standard therapy.

Trials found that relative risk of death was reduced in Stemi patients taking the drug by seven per cent, with risk of the combination MI, stroke or death reduced by nine per cent.

Dr Marc Sabatine, a spokesperson for the trial drug, commented: “The results of the?trials represent a major advance for patients who have had a sever heart attack and this indication for clopidogrel provides clinicians with a new option for Stemi patients to reduce their risk of a recurrent heart attack, stroke or death.”

Stemi, alongside unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infraction are the three conditions that constitute coronary heart syndrome. Around 300,000 people suffer from Stemi events in America alone, with survivors at high risk of further atherothrombotic events, suggests research.

Sanofi-aventis employs around 11,000 scientific personnel and specialises in cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, cancer and central nervous system disorders.

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