BioCentury
ARTICLE | Clinical News

Biogen switch on CHF agent

February 17, 2000 8:00 AM UTC

BGEN said Phase II testing of its CVT-124 selective adenosine A1 antagonist, which was licensed from CV Therapeutics (CVTX), showed statistical significance versus placebo in patients with moderate to severe congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the company will switch to a lead backup compound to continue clinical testing.

CVTX said that BGEN has decided that the cost of manufacturing CVT-124 is too high, and that the undisclosed backup compound, also licensed from CVTX, will be more suitable for oral delivery. CVT-124 blocks the adenosine A1 receptor, causing sodium excretion and water removal. It also maintains kidney filtration, which is reduced by diuretics used to treat CHF. ...