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Ruskin JN, Camm AJ, Dufton C, Woite-Silva AC, Tuininga Y, Badings E, De Jong JSSG, Oosterhof T, Aksoy I, Kuijper AFM, Van Gelder IC, van Dijk V, Nuyens D, Schellings D, Lee MY, Kowey PR, Crijns HJGM, Maupas J, Belardinelli L. Orally Inhaled Flecainide for Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm: INSTANT Phase 2 Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:1021-1033. [PMID: 38613545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INSTANT (INhalation of flecainide to convert recent-onset SympTomatic Atrial fibrillatioN to sinus rhyThm) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study of flecainide acetate oral inhalation solution (FlecIH) for acute conversion of recent-onset (≤48 hours) symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm. OBJECTIVES This study investigated the efficacy and safety in 98 patients receiving a single dose of FlecIH delivered via oral inhalation. METHODS Patients self-administered FlecIH over 8 minutes in a supervised medical setting using a breath-actuated nebulizer and were continuously monitored for 90 minutes using a 12-lead Holter. RESULTS Mean age was 60.5 years, mean body mass index was 27.0 kg/m2, and 34.7% of the patients were women. All patients had ≥1 AF-related symptoms at baseline, and 87.8% had AF symptoms for ≤24 hours. The conversion rate was 42.6% (95% CI: 33.0%-52.6%) with a median time to conversion of 14.6 minutes. The conversion rate was 46.9% (95% CI: 36.4%-57.7%) in a subpopulation that excluded predose flecainide exposure for the current AF episode. Median time to discharge among patients who converted was 2.5 hours, and only 2 patients had experienced AF recurrence by day 5. In the conversion-no group, 44 (81.5%) patients underwent electrical cardioversion by day 5. The most common adverse events were related to oral inhalation of flecainide (eg, cough, oropharyngeal irritation/pain), which were mostly of mild intensity and limited duration. CONCLUSIONS The risk-benefit of orally inhaled FlecIH for acute cardioversion of recent-onset AF appears favorable. FlecIH could provide a safe, effective, and convenient first-line therapeutic option. (INhalation of Flecainide to Convert Recent Onset SympTomatic Atrial Fibrillation to siNus rhyThm [INSTANT]; NCT03539302).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A John Camm
- St. George's University, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ismail Aksoy
- Admiraal de Ruyter Ziekenhuis, Goes, the Netherlands
| | | | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter R Kowey
- Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harry J G M Crijns
- Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jean Maupas
- InCarda Therapeutics, Newark, California, USA
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Brown AP, Friedrichs GS, Tang HM, Traebert M, Weber V, Yao N, Yan GX. Electrophysiological Changes in the Rabbit Ventricular Wedge and Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived (IPSC) Cardiomyocytes Translate to Severe Arrhythmia Observed in a Canine Toxicology Study, Not Predicted by Standard In Vitro Ion Channel Assays. Int J Toxicol 2024; 43:231-242. [PMID: 38327194 DOI: 10.1177/10915818241230900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
During drug discovery, small molecules are typically assayed in vitro for secondary pharmacology effects, which include ion channels relevant to cardiac electrophysiology. Compound A was an irreversible inhibitor of myeloperoxidase investigated for the treatment of peripheral artery disease. Oral doses in dogs at ≥5 mg/kg resulted in cardiac arrhythmias in a dose-dependent manner (at Cmax, free ≥1.53 μM) that progressed in severity with time. Nevertheless, a panel of 13 different cardiac ion channel (K, Na, and Ca) assays, including hERG, failed to identify pharmacologic risks of the molecule. Compound A and a related Compound B were evaluated for electrophysiological effects in the isolated rabbit ventricular wedge assay. Compounds A and B prolonged QT and Tp-e intervals at ≥1 and ≥.3 μM, respectively, and both prolonged QRS at ≥5 μM. Compound A produced early after depolarizations and premature ventricular complexes at ≥5 μM. These data indicate both compounds may be modulating hERG (Ikr) and Nav1.5 ion channels. In human IPSC cardiomyocytes, Compounds A and B prolonged field potential duration at ≥3 μM and induced cellular dysrhythmia at ≥10 and ≥3 μM, respectively. In a rat toxicology study, heart tissue: plasma concentration ratios for Compound A were ≥19X at 24 hours post-dose, indicating significant tissue distribution. In conclusion, in vitro ion channel assays may not always identify cardiovascular electrophysiological risks observed in vivo, which can be affected by tissue drug distribution. Risk for arrhythmia may increase with a "trappable" ion channel inhibitor, particularly if cardiac tissue drug levels achieve a critical threshold for pharmacologic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan P Brown
- Novartis Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Yao
- Novartis Biomedical Research, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Gan-Xin Yan
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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Lee CH, Scheinman MM. Wide Complex Tachycardia: Mind Your Medicine! Circulation 2024; 149:963-966. [PMID: 38498606 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.124.068692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Hee Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea. Division of Cardiology, Section of Electrophysiology, University of California San Francisco
| | - Melvin M Scheinman
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University Medical Center, Daegu, Republic of Korea. Division of Cardiology, Section of Electrophysiology, University of California San Francisco
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Islam N, Cichero E, Rahman S, Ranasinghe I. Novel Pulmonary Delivery of Drugs for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs 2023; 23:1-7. [PMID: 36255655 PMCID: PMC9845156 DOI: 10.1007/s40256-022-00551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia, affecting approximately 335 million patients worldwide. Comprehensive pharmacological treatment of AF includes medications for rate or rhythm control and anticoagulants to reduce the risk of thromboembolism; yet, these agents have significant limitations. Oral anti-arrhythmic agents have a slow onset of action, and rapid onset formulations require hospitalization for intravenous therapy. Orally administered drugs also require high doses to attain therapeutic levels, and thus dose-related severe adverse effects are often unavoidable. Given the therapeutic benefits of inhaled drug delivery, including rapid onset of action and very low doses to achieve therapeutic efficacy, this review will discuss the benefits of novel pulmonary delivery of drugs for the management of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazrul Islam
- Pharmacy Discipline, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Emma Cichero
- Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Avera Health and Science Center, South Dakota State University, 1055 Campanile Avenue, SAV 265, Brookings, SD 57007 USA
| | - Isuru Ranasinghe
- Department of Cardiology, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia ,Northside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Nuthulaganti SR, Zhang Y, Akinjogbin T, Esmail K. Flecainide-Induced Left Bundle Branch Block. Cureus 2022; 14:e24385. [PMID: 35619832 PMCID: PMC9126441 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Flecainide is the first-line antiarrhythmic agent used in patients without structural heart disease. It is a class IC antiarrhythmic drug that inhibits inward sodium current through its dose-dependent blockade of voltage-gated calcium channels within the cardiac membrane. It has been shown to slow the conduction in the left bundle branch block. Unmonitored toxicity can cause ventricular dyssynchrony or fatal arrhythmia. We present a case in which flecainide use caused a new left bundle branch block (LBBB).
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Li Y, Peng X, Lin R, Wang X, Liu X, Bai R, Ma C, Tang R, Ruan Y, Liu N. The Antiarrhythmic Mechanisms of Flecainide in Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia. Front Physiol 2022; 13:850117. [PMID: 35356081 PMCID: PMC8959698 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.850117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) is a severe yet rare inherited arrhythmia disorder. The cornerstone of CPVT medical therapy is the use of β-blockers; 30% of patients with CPVT do not respond well to optimal β-blocker treatment. Studies have shown that flecainide effectively prevents life-threatening arrhythmias in CPVT. Flecainide is a class IC antiarrhythmic drug blocking cardiac sodium channels. RyR2 inhibition is proposed as the principal mechanism of antiarrhythmic action of flecainide in CPVT, while it is highly debated. In this article, we review the current progress of this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Lin
- North China Medical and Health Group XingTai Hospital, Xingtai, China
| | - Xuesi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmeng Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Bai
- Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Changsheng Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ribo Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
- Ribo Tang,
| | - Yanfei Ruan
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
- Yanfei Ruan,
| | - Nian Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Nian Liu,
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Crijns HJGM, Elvan A, Al-Windy N, Tuininga YS, Badings E, Aksoy I, Van Gelder IC, Madhavapeddi P, Camm AJ, Kowey PR, Ruskin JN, Belardinelli L. Open-Label, Multicenter Study of Flecainide Acetate Oral Inhalation Solution for Acute Conversion of Recent-Onset, Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation to Sinus Rhythm. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e010204. [PMID: 35196871 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral and intravenous flecainide is recommended for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. In this open-label, dose-escalation study, the feasibility of delivering flecainide via oral inhalation (flecainide acetate inhalation solution) for acute conversion was evaluated. We hypothesized that flecainide delivered by oral inhalation would quickly reach plasma concentrations sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. METHODS Patients (n=101) with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (for ≤48 hours) self administered flecainide acetate inhalation solution using a nebulizer (30 mg [n=10], 60 mg [n=22], 90 mg [n=21], 120 mg [n=19], and 120 mg in a formulation containing saccharin [n=29]). Electrocardiograms and flecainide plasma concentrations were obtained, cardiac rhythm using 4-hour Holter was monitored, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Conversion rates increased with dose and with the maximum plasma concentrations of flecainide. At the highest dose, 48% of patients converted to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes from the start of inhalation. Among patients who achieved a maximum plasma concentration >200 ng/mL, the conversion rate within 90 minutes was 50%; for those who achieved a maximum plasma concentration <200 ng/mL, it was 24%. Conversion was rapid (median time to conversion of 8.1 minutes from the end of inhalation), and conversion led to symptom resolution in 86% of the responders. Adverse events were typically mild and transient and included: cough, throat pain, throat irritation; at the highest dose with the formulation containing saccharin, these adverse events were reported by 41%, 14%, and 3% of patients, respectively. Cardiac adverse events consistent with those observed with oral and intravenous flecainide were uncommon and included postconversion pauses (n=2), bradycardia (n=1), and atrial flutter with 1:1 atrioventricular conduction (n=1); none required treatment, and all resolved without sequelae. CONCLUSIONS Administration of flecainide via oral inhalation was shown to be safe and to yield plasma concentrations of flecainide sufficient to restore sinus rhythm in patients with recent-onset atrial fibrillation. REGISTRATION URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; Unique identifier: NCT03539302.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry J G M Crijns
- Maastricht University Medical Center and CARIM, Maastricht, The Netherlands (H.J.G.M.C.)
| | - Arif Elvan
- Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The Netherlands (A.E.)
| | | | - Ype S Tuininga
- Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands (Y.S.T., E.B.)
| | - Erik Badings
- Deventer Hospital, Deventer, The Netherlands (Y.S.T., E.B.)
| | - Ismail Aksoy
- Admiraal de Ruyter, Goes, The Netherlands (I.A.)
| | - Isabelle C Van Gelder
- University of Groningen, University of Groningen Medical Center, Gronigen, The Netherlands (I.C.V.G.)
| | | | - A John Camm
- St George's University, London, United Kingdom (A.J.C.)
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