Merck tests innovative Cardiovascular drugs Phase II

studies under way Darmstadt (ots) - Merck KGaA has several cardiovascularcompounds currently in clinical and preclinical developmentphases. The target of these drugs is the prevention and thetreatment of acute cardiovascular diseases and theirconsequences. The most advanced project is the novel Sodium(Na+)/ Proton(H+)exchange (NHE) inhibitor, Eniporide (EMD 96785). Eniporideinhibits NHE in the myocardial cell and thus limits cell necrosisoccurring upon cardiac ischemia/reperfusion by blocking rapid ionexchange. NHE inhibition is one of the most promising therapeuticapproaches in the cardiovascular field over the next decade andEniporide has the potential to become a major breakthrough in thetreatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Eniporide is currently being investigated as an i.v.formulation in a phase II dose finding trial in AMI patients:ESCAMI (Evaluation of the Safety and Cardioprotective effects ofEniporide in patients undergoing reperfusion therapy for AMI). Aninterim analysis based on more than 400 patients was performed inlate May 1999. It was concluded that the study will continue.More than 1000 patients will be enrolled in the ESCAMI trial.Final results of ESCAMI are expected by early 2000. A large scaleinternational phase III trial is planned to start in 2000, whilelaunch is expected in 2003 at the earliest. More than 3 million AMIs occur each year in the industrialisedcountries; despite improved treatment the rate of subsequentcardiovascular events remains high. 1.3 million patients arehospitalised each year for AMI. Eniporide in AMI is one of the projects based on the platformof NHE inhibition that Merck KGaA is currently working on.Further potential indications and other compounds are underdevelopment in this exciting and promising field of research. Merck KGaA will also soon be starting phase II trials with itsoral GPIIb/IIIa antagonist Gantofiban (EMD 122347). Despite thediscontinuation of similar compounds by several competitors,Merck KGaA believes that due to its distinct profile Gantofibanmay become a successful treatment option in patients with acutecoronary syndrome. Both Eniporide and Gantofiban are beingdeveloped in collaboration with Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals. Merck KGaA, whose cardiovascular business totalled nearly DM650 million in 1998, also has further innovative preclinicalprojects which target the indications acute coronary syndromes,acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, deep vein thrombosisand restenosis. ots Original Text Service: Merck KGaA Internet:http://www.newsaktuell.de Contact: Merck KGaA Tel.: 06151/722386/ 727109 Fax: 06151/ 727707/ 723138

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