Clamikalant (Aventis)

Clamikalant is a cardioselective blocker of the ATP-dependent Potassium Channel (KATP) which is under development by Aventis Pharma (formerly Hoechst Marion Roussel) for the potential treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. The sodium salt, HMR-1098, is in phase II trials. Aventis plans for an iv preparation of the drug to be launched in 2004, and an oral preparation to be available in 2005. Clamikalant prevented ischemia-induced reductions in refractory period in dogs with ventricular fibrillation without significant hemodynamic effects or alteration in blood glucose levels. HMR-1883 exerted an anti-arrhythmic effect in a model of isolated hearts from male White New Zealand rabbits, and indicated and did not interfere with post-ischemic hyperemia.