Servier gains EU approval for 1st in class drug

Servier has gained regulatory approval in the EU for its heart rate lowering drug.

Procoralan, which is used to treat people who have chronic stable angina pectoris but are sensitive to beta blockers, was given the go ahead by the European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA). The decision allows the drug to be used in 27 more countries.

The drug works by lowering the heart rate of the patient by inhibiting the heart’s pacemaker. The manufacturer claims that the drug is free from side effects such as sexual disturbance, respiratory problems or rebound phenomena.

“Heart rate reduction is widely recognized as an important approach for the prevention and treatment of angina and pure heart rate reduction with ivabradine provides a promising new alternative to current treatment,” said Professor Kim Fox, from the Royal Brompton Hospital.

A recent study of almost 5000 patients found that the drug helped reduce angina attacks significantly, whilst the drug kept down heart rates for over a year.

The company is to now investigate the use of the drug amongst patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

© Adfero Ltd