Latest clinical data on investigational, oral sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase)-stimulator vericiguat being co-developed by Bayer and MSD will be presented at the American Heart
Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions taking place from 7-11 November
2015 in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.. The data are results of the
exploratory Phase IIb SOCRATES-REDUCED study, which investigated the
effects of different dosages of vericiguat when added to standard
therapy in patients with worsening chronic heart failure and reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF). Vericiguat is the first sGC-stimulator being
evaluated in clinical Phase II as potential treatment for heart failure.
Vericiguat is part of the worldwide strategic collaboration with the
U.S.-based company MSD (through a subsidiary) in the field of soluble
guanylate cyclase (sGC) modulation.
Vericiguat (BAY 1021189) is an investigational, oral
stimulator of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) enzyme. While sGC is
important for the function of both the blood vessels and the heart, it
is insufficiently stimulated in heart failure patients due to impaired
nitric oxide (NO) availability and endothelial dysfunction. The sGC
pathway may offer an innovative therapeutic target option for the
potential treatment of heart failure with vericiguat as the first
sGC-stimulator under development for this indication. The Phase II
SOCRATES-REDUCED trial evaluated the tolerability and dosing of
vericiguat in patients with worsening chronic heart failure and reduced
ejection fraction (HFrEF) already on standard of care therapy.
