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NCX4016 (NO-aspirin) reduces infarct size and suppresses arrhythmias following myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion in pigs. More than one million new and recurrent cases of coronary attack occurred in the US in 1998. Forty percent of these patients died, 220,000 before even reaching hospital, making coronary heart disease the single leading cause of death in America. Treatment is designed to reverse ischemia, limit infarct size, reduce cardiac work and to prevent recurrence. Immediate treatment of myocardial infarction includes the use of thrombolytics to reverse ischemia (see our recent series of DiscoveryDossiers produced from ThromboGenics). Indefinite administration of aspirin is then commenced to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of both short- and long-term mortality and reinfarction rates. Nitric oxide (NO) donors are also common adjuncts to thrombolytic therapy in patients with myocardial infarction. This is because NO donors, such as nitroglycerin and nitrites, vasodilate veins, arteries, and arterioles, reducing left ventricular preload and afterload, thus limiting myocardial ischemia and its effects. In addition, nitroglycerin reduces platelet aggregation and maintains vasodilatatory tone, helping to prevent re-occlusion following thrombolytic therapy. NicOx, who lead the nitric oxide field, have made the natural progression, developing a nitro-derivative of aspirin, NCX4016. Results have recently been published from studies assessing the effect of this drug on myocardial infarct size in a porcine model of myocardial ischemia. Aspirin and NCX4016 both prevented the generation of thromboxane A(2) from activated platelets and also platelet aggregation NCX4016 also reduced myocardial infarct size by 50%, contrasting with aspirin which was without effect. Link to journal abstract:
Adapted from Wainwright et al, Br J Pharmacol 2002 Apr;135(8):1882-8 Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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