Combination treatment in stable effort angina using trimetazidine and metoprolol: results of a randomized, double-blind, multicentre study (TRIMPOL II). TRIMetazidine in POLand

Comparative HPTLC study for simultaneous determination of ivabradine and metoprolol using UV and fluorescence detectors

New, simple, accurate, sensitive and validated high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method coupled with UV absorbance mode and fluorescence (FL) detectors which were used for simultaneous determination of ivabradine (IVA) and metoprolol (MET) in their bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form using TLC silica 60 F254 plates and non-fluorescent TLC silica gel 60 plates. The developing system was chloroform: methanol: formic acid: ammonia (8.5:1.5:0.2:0.1, v/v). Desnitometric analysis in UV absorbance mode was set at λ = 275 nm. While, fluorescence mode was performed with excitation at 260 nm for quantitative simultaneous determination of IVA and MET using optical filter K320. The retention factors values were 0.45 ± 0.05 and 0.89 ± 0.01 of IVA and MET, respectively. UV absorbance mode, linearity was 50.0-600.0 ng/band for IVA and 50.0-900.0 ng/band for MET. For fluorescence mode, the linearity ranges were 18.0-400.0 ng/band and 50.0-550.0 ng/band for IVA and MET; respectively. ICH guidelines were followed in respect to linearity and range, accuracy, precision and selectivity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantitation (LOQ) and robustness. The analytical eco-scale, green analytical procedure index (GAPI) and analytical greenness metric tools were used to assess the suggested method. The quantitative proposed method results showed there was no statistically significant difference at 95% confidence when compared to the reported method of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Contemporary Management of Refractory Angina

Refractory angina (RA) is defined as chest pain caused by coronary ischemia in patients on maximal medical therapy and is not amenable to revascularization despite advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). The long-term prognosis has improved with optimal medical therapy including risk factor modification. Still, patients are left with major impairment in quality of life and have high resource utilization with limited treatment options. We review the novel invasive and noninvasive therapies under investigation for RA.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of Trimetazidine 80 Mg Once Daily in Patients with Stable Angina Uncontrolled with Bisoprolol-Based Therapy: The Modus Vivendi Observational Study

Introduction

Modus Vivendi was conducted in routine clinical practice to evaluate the effect of adding trimetazidine 80 mg once daily (TMZ 80 OD) to treat patients with persistent symptoms despite treatment with background antianginal therapies including maximally tolerated bisoprolol.

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, observational, open-label, uncontrolled study recruited adult outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of stable angina to whom physicians had decided to prescribe TMZ 80 OD. All patients were symptomatic despite treatment, including maximally tolerated doses of bisoprolol. Data on number of angina attacks, use of short-acting nitrates, and quality of life (QoL) were collected at baseline (V1) and at 1-month (V2) and 3-month (V2) follow-up visits. Two sub-analyses assessed efficacy in patients who remained on a stable bisoprolol dose throughout the study, and in patients in whom background antianginal therapy was known.

Results

A total of 1939 patients were recruited (57.2% women). The mean age was 65.6 ± 8.8 years; 73.8% had class II and 26.2% class III angina. At V1, the mean number of angina attacks per week was 6.2 ± 6.5 despite antianginal therapy including maximally tolerated bisoprolol dosage. Following the addition of TMZ 80 OD, this decreased to 3.4 ± 4.2 attacks per week at V2, and 1.6 ± 2.6 at V3 (P < 0.05 at V2 and V3), with concomitant reductions in short-acting nitrate use (P < 0.05). Significant improvements in QoL were observed throughout the study. Subgroup analyses showed that the addition of TMZ 80 OD to guideline-recommended antianginal therapy was associated with significant reductions in the mean number of weekly angina attacks and consumption of short-acting nitrates and improvements in QoL whether patients were treated with maximally tolerated bisoprolol and TMZ 80 OD alone, or maximally tolerated bisoprolol and TMZ 80 OD on top of other antianginal therapies. Treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusion

The study findings support the addition of TMZ 80 OD to bisoprolol with or without other antianginal therapies for patients with persistent angina.

Trial Registration

This study was retrospectively registered under the number ISRCTN29992579.

A pathophysiological compass to personalize antianginal drug treatment

Myocardial ischaemia results from coronary macrovascular or microvascular dysfunction compromising the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the myocardium. The underlying pathophysiological processes are manifold and encompass atherosclerosis of epicardial coronary arteries, vasospasm of large or small vessels and microvascular dysfunction - the clinical relevance of which is increasingly being appreciated. Myocardial ischaemia can have a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, together denoted as chronic coronary syndromes. The most common antianginal medications relieve symptoms by eliciting coronary vasodilatation and modulating the determinants of myocardial oxygen consumption, that is, heart rate, myocardial wall stress and ventricular contractility. In addition, cardiac substrate metabolism can be altered to alleviate ischaemia by modulating the efficiency of myocardial oxygen use. Although a universal agreement exists on the prognostic importance of lifestyle interventions and event prevention with aspirin and statin therapy, the optimal antianginal treatment for patients with chronic coronary syndromes is less well defined. The 2019 guidelines of the ESC recommend a personalized approach, in which antianginal medications are tailored towards an individual patient's comorbidities and haemodynamic profile. Although no antianginal medication improves survival, their efficacy for reducing symptoms profoundly depends on the underlying mechanism of the angina. In this Review, we provide clinicians with a rationale for when to use which compound or combination of drugs on the basis of the pathophysiology of the angina and the mode of action of antianginal medications.

Trimetazidine and Bisoprolol to Treat Angina in Symptomatic Patients: Post Hoc Analysis From the CHOICE-2 Study

Introduction

Angina is the cardinal symptom of chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), which is the leading cause of death worldwide. As such, the control of angina is important. The current guidelines recommend beta blockers (BB) or calcium channel blockers to reduce angina, yet many patients with stable angina remain symptomatic. It has been suggested that combining trimetazidine (TMZ), an anti-ischemic agent, with a BB is beneficial for symptomatic patients. Bisoprolol, a BB, is often used to treat patients with CCS, yet no data are currently available regarding the efficacy of bisoprolol combined with TMZ in patients who remain symptomatic despite receiving bisoprolol.

Methods

The aim of this post-hoc analysis of the CHOICE-2 study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TMZ 35 mg twice daily in combination with different bisoprolol doses in symptomatic patients with stable angina patients receiving hemodynamic therapy in a real-world clinical setting.

Results

This analysis involved 221 patients (mean [± standard deviation] age 64.8 ± 8.9 years) with stable angina. The mean number of weekly angina episodes gradually fell from 6.2 ± 5.3 at inclusion (M0) to 1.5 ± 1.9 at 6 months after treatment initiation (M6) with combined TMZ–bisoprolol therapy (P < 0.001). The number of patients assessed to be angina-free increased almost sixfold from 5.4% (12/221) at M0 to 33.9% (74/221) at M6. Exercise capacity improved, as measured by walking distance, from 308 ± 207 m at M0 to 497 ± 253 m at M6 (P < 0.05). The number of patients with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class 1 angina increased by tenfold during the study, whereas those with class 3 angina decreased by threefold.

Conclusion

The TMZ–bisoprolol combination is a rapidly effective treatment for reducing the frequency of angina attacks and the use of short-acting nitrates in patients with stable angina in a real-world clinical setting. The benefits of this combination therapy was observed as early as 2 weeks after treatment initiation and the treatment was well tolerated.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN identifier: ISRCTN65209863

Refractory Angina-Unsolved Problem

The article discusses pharmacologic and interventional therapeutic options for patients with refractory angina. Refractory angina refers to long-lasting symptoms (≥3 months) due to established reversible ischemia in the presence of obstructive coronary artery disease, which cannot be controlled by escalating medical therapy with second-line and third-line pharmacologic agents, bypass grafting, or stenting. Due to an aging population, increased number of comorbidities, and advances in coronary artery disease treatment, incidence of refractory angina is growing. Although the number of therapeutic options is increasing, there is a lack of randomized clinical trials that could help create recommendations for this group of patients.

Efficacy and safety of trimetazidine after percutaneous coronary intervention (ATPCI): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Angina might persist or reoccur despite successful revascularisation with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and antianginal therapy. Additionally, PCI in stable patients has not been shown to improve survival compared with optimal medical therapy. Trimetazidine is an antianginal agent that improves energy metabolism of the ischaemic myocardium and might improve outcomes and symptoms of patients who recently had a PCI. In this study, we aimed to assess the long-term potential benefits and safety of trimetazidine added to standard evidence-based medical treatment in patients who had a recent successful PCI.

METHODS

We did a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, event-driven trial of trimetazidine added to standard background therapy in patients who had undergone successful PCI at 365 centres in 27 countries across Europe, South America, Asia, and north Africa. Eligible patients were aged 21-85 years and had had either elective PCI for stable angina or urgent PCI for unstable angina or non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction less than 30 days before randomisation. Patients were randomly assigned by an interactive web response system to oral trimetazidine 35 mg modified-release twice daily or matching placebo. Participants, study investigators, and all study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint was a composite of cardiac death; hospital admission for a cardiac event; recurrence or persistence of angina requiring an addition, switch, or increase of the dose of at least one antianginal drug; or recurrence or persistence of angina requiring a coronary angiography. Efficacy analyses were done according to the intention-to-treat principle. Safety was assessed in all patients who had at least one dose of study drug. This study is registered with the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT 2010-022134-89).

FINDINGS

From Sept 17, 2014, to June 15, 2016, 6007 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either trimetazidine (n=2998) or placebo (n=3009). After a median follow-up of 47·5 months (IQR 42·3-53·3), incidence of primary endpoint events was not significantly different between the trimetazidine group (700 [23·3%] patients) and the placebo group (714 [23·7%]; hazard ratio 0·98 [95% CI 0·88-1·09], p=0·73). When analysed individually, there were no significant differences in the incidence of the components of the primary endpoint between the treatment groups. Similar results were obtained when patients were categorised according to whether they had an elective or urgent PCI. 1219 (40·9%) of 2983 patients in the trimetazidine group and 1230 (41·1%) of 2990 patients in the placebo group had serious treatment-emergent adverse events. Frequencies of adverse events of interest were similar between the groups.

INTERPRETATION

Our results show that the routine use of oral trimetazidine 35 mg twice daily over several years in patients receiving optimal medical therapy, after successful PCI, does not influence the recurrence of angina or the outcome; these findings should be taken into account when considering the place of trimetazidine in clinical practice. However, the long-term prescription of this treatment does not appear to be associated with any statistically significant safety concerns in the population studied.

FUNDING

Servier.

Effects of trimetazidine on ventricular remodeling in coronary artery disease patients with left ventricular hypertrophy: the rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Trimetazidine is a metabolic anti-ischemic agent, which increases the tolerance of cardiomyocytes to ischemia. However, few studies have explored the effect of trimetazidine on ventricular remodeling in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).

Methods

It is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, and we propose to recruit one hundred and twenty-four CAD patients undergoing PCI with LVH during a 12-month period. They will be randomized to receive either trimetazidine (35 mg twice a day) or placebo in the following 12 months after PCI. Blood tests, echocardiography, symptom of angina and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) will be collected at follow-up visit at 3 and 12 months. The primary end point will be the left ventricular remodeling measured by left ventricular mass index (LVMI) at 3- and 12-month follow-up compared with the baseline. The secondary end points will be the symptom of angina assessed by Seattle Angina Questionnaire, myocardial ischemia measured by 6-min walk test and exercise electrocardiography test, as well as MACEs (defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, stroke, recurrent angina, re-hospitalization, change of viable myocardium).

Discussion

This study aims to demonstrate the effect of trimetazidine on left ventricular remodeling and myocardial ischemia in CAD patients undergoing PCI with LVH. Trimetazidine treatment is likely to improve the left ventricular remodeling, symptoms of angina and myocardial ischemia. It might also reduce the risk of MACEs in CAD patients undergoing PCI with LVH.

Trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800017876). Registered on 19 Aug 2018.

Effectiveness of Trimetazidine in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris of Various Durations: Results from ODA

INTRODUCTION

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an antianginal agent that acts directly at the myocardial cell level and which is now available in a once-daily (od) formulation.

METHODS

ODA, a 3-month, observational, multicenter study in Russia, assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of TMZ 80 mg od in patients with stable angina and persisting symptoms, in real-life settings. The present analysis explored the effects of adding TMZ to background antianginal treatment with respect to the duration of stable angina.

RESULTS

A total of 3032 patients were divided into four groups according to stable angina pectoris duration since diagnosis, ranging from less than 1 year to more than 10 years. A decrease in frequency of angina attacks was observed, including in patients with angina duration < 1 year, in whom the frequency of weekly angina attacks decreased from 3.8 ± 2.9 to 1.4 ± 1.7 at 1 month and 0.6 ± 1.0 at 3 months. Short-acting nitrate consumption and proportion of angina-free patients decreased, and self-reported physical activity and adherence to antianginal therapy improved in all patient groups, including recently diagnosed patients and starting already at month 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Addition of TMZ 80 mg od to antianginal treatment was effective in reducing the frequency of angina attacks and the use of short-acting nitrates, improving Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class, self-reported physical activity, and adherence to antianginal therapy. These beneficial effects were observed in patient groups with different durations of stable angina, suggesting an opportunity for decreasing angina burden even in recently diagnosed patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry Identifier, ISRCTN97780949.

TRimetazidine as an Agent to affeCt clopidogrEl Response: The TRACER Study

INTRODUCTION

This prospective study aimed to determine whether trimetazidine (TMZ) alters the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of clopidogrel.

METHODS

Patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) (n = 24) who were actively treated with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of aspirin 81 mg daily and clopidogrel 75 mg daily were recruited. Platelet function was measured with the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay (Accriva Diagnostics, San Diego, CA, USA) and assessed before the initiation of and after 14 days of treatment with TMZ. Results were compared using a paired t test.

RESULTS

Almost 80% of the study population were of South Asian descent and had diabetes mellitus (DM). P2Y12 reaction units (PRUs) were higher in patients on TMZ (204 ± 56 compared with 174 ± 71 before TMZ, p = 0.005). The average increase in PRU score was 29 (95% confidence interval 8.8-49.7). Before TMZ, the proportion of patients with high on-treatment platelet reactivity (PRU > 208 units) was 25%, which increased to 42% for patients on TMZ.

CONCLUSION

Higher platelet reactivity was seen in patients on TMZ, suggesting that TMZ attenuated the PD effects of clopidogrel in this study of a predominantly South Asian diabetic subpopulation. Alternative therapies should be considered and further research is warranted.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03603249.

Stable Angina Medical Therapy Management Guidelines: A Critical Review of Guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Most patients with stable angina can be managed with lifestyle changes, especially smoking cessation and regular exercise, along with taking antianginal drugs. Randomised controlled trials show that antianginal drugs are equally effective and none of them reduced mortality or the risk of MI, yet guidelines prefer the use of beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers as a first-line treatment. The European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the management of stable coronary artery disease provide classes of recommendation with levels of evidence that are well defined. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of stable angina provide guidelines based on cost and effectiveness using the terms first-line and second-line therapy. Both guidelines recommend using low-dose aspirin and statins as disease-modifying agents. The aim of this article is to critically appraise the guidelines’ pharmacological recommendations for managing patients with stable angina.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficAcy and safety of Trimetazidine in patients with angina pectoris having been treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (ATPCI study): Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics

BACKGROUND

About 30% of angina patients have persisting symptoms despite successful revascularization and antianginal therapy. Moreover, in stable patients, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) does not improve survival as compared with medical therapy alone. Trimetazidine, an antianginal agent devoid of hemodynamic effect, may help reducing symptoms and improving outcomes after PCI. The ATPCI study is investigating the efficacy and safety of adding trimetazidine to standard-of-care in angina patients who had a recent PCI.

METHODS

ATPCI is a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, event-driven study in patients with coronary artery disease having undergone PCI because of stable angina (elective PCI) or unstable angina/NSTEMI (urgent PCI). After PCI, patients were randomized to trimetazidine (35 mg bid) or placebo on top of standard-of-care including event prevention drugs and antianginal treatment. Patients will be followed for 2 to 4 years. The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite of cardiac death, hospitalization for a cardiac event and recurrence or persistence of angina. Safety events related to trimetazidine use will be monitored.

RESULTS

Recruitment lasted from September 2014 to June 2016. A total of 6007 patients were enrolled (58% and 42% after elective and urgent PCI, respectively). Mean age was 61 years, 77% were males, and median durations of coronary artery disease were 1 and 5 months (if urgent or elective PCI, respectively). Almost all patients received drugs for event prevention and antianginal therapy at baseline.

CONCLUSION

The ATPCI study will shed further light on the management of contemporary angina patients after PCI. Results are expected in 2019.

Effectiveness of Long-acting Trimetazidine in Different Clinical Situations in Patients with Stable Angina Pectoris: Findings from ODA Trial

Introduction

Trimetazidine (TMZ) has been shown to be efficacious for angina treatment. The TMZ 80-mg formulation allows one-daily (od) dosage, which could improve symptom control and adherence.

Methods

The 3-month, observational, multicenter, prospective ODA (antianginal effectiveness and tolerability of trimetazidine modified release 80 mg Once Daily in stable Angina patients in real-world practice) study assessed TMZ 80 mg od effectiveness in stable angina patients with persistent symptoms despite therapy. Two clinical situations were compared: patients who initiated treatment with TMZ 80 mg od (initiation group) and patients who were previously treated with TMZ 20 mg thrice daily (tid) or TMZ 35 mg MR twice daily (bid) and switched to TMZ 80 mg od (switch group). Number of angina attacks, short-acting nitrate (SAN) consumption, self-reported patient daily activity, Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class, adherence to antianginal therapy, overall efficacy and tolerability were assessed.

Results

A significant decrease in weekly number of angina attacks was observed for both the initiation group (n = 1841 patients) from 4.8 ± 3.5 at baseline to 0.9 ± 1.4 at 3 months (M3) (P < 0.001), and the switch group (n = 1216 patients) from 4.4 ± 1.3 at baseline to 0.9 ± 1.3 at M3 (P < 0.001). Significant reduction in SAN consumption and improvement in CCS class were observed for both groups. Adherence to antianginal therapy improved in both groups at 1 month (M1) and M3. Overall effectiveness of TMZ 80 mg od was rated by physicians as “very good” (68% initiation group, 70% switch group), “good” (31% initiation group, 29% switch group), “moderate” (1%, both groups) or “poor” (< 1%, both groups). Overall tolerability of TMZ 80 mg od was rated by physicians as “very good” (75%), “good” (25%) or “moderate” (< 1%) in both groups.

Conclusions

TMZ 80 mg od, in association with other antianginal therapy, effectively reduced angina attacks and SAN consumption and improved physical activity and adherence to antianginal therapy both in patients initiating TMZ treatment and those switching from a bid or tid formulation.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN registry Identifier, ISRCTN97780949.

Funding

Servier.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summary available for this article.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40119-019-0128-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Anti-Anginal Effectiveness and Tolerability of Trimetazidine Modified Release 80 Mg Once Daily in Stable Angina Patients in Real-World Practice

INTRODUCTION

Trimetazidine (TMZ) was shown to reduce angina symptoms and increase the exercise capacity in stable angina (SA) patients. A new formulation allowing a once-daily (od) dosage could improve patients' satisfaction and adherence.

METHODS

ODA was a 3-month, observational, multicenter, prospective Russian study in SA patients with persistent symptoms despite therapy. Angina attack frequency, short-acting nitrate (SAN) consumption, adherence to antianginal medications, and overall efficacy and tolerability of TMZ 80 mg od were assessed in a real-world setting.

RESULTS

A total of 3066 patients were included (mean age 62.8, 48% male). After 3 months, TMZ 80 mg od treatment led to a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in angina attack frequency (from 4.7 ± 3.5 to 0.9 ± 1.3/week) and SAN use (from 4.5 ± 3.9 to 0.7 ± 1.3/week). Overall tolerability and effectiveness were rated as "very good" by the majority of physicians. Medication adherence improved significantly, with good adherence reported by 56% of patients (vs. 24% at baseline, p < 0.0001) and non-adherence by 3% (vs. 36% at baseline, p < 0.0001) at month 3. Patient satisfaction with TMZ od was 9.5 [on a scale of 1 to 10 (very satisfied)]. Patients reported improved physical activity: more patients reported no limitations (15% vs. 1% at baseline p < 0.01), slight limitation (46% vs. 5% at baseline, p < 0.001) or moderate limitation (30% vs. 23%, p < 0.01) and fewer patients reported substantial limitation (8% vs. 52% at baseline, p < 0.001) or very marked reduction (1% vs. 19% at baseline, p < 0.01) at month 3.

CONCLUSION

In this prospective, observational study, TMZ 80 mg od effectively reduced angina attacks and SAN consumption, improved physical activity and adherence and was well tolerated in chronic SA patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN registry Identifier, ISRCTN97780949.

FUNDING

Servier. Plain language summary available for this article.

Trimetazidine in the Prevention of Tissue Ischemic Conditions

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic agent with significant anti-ischemic properties. By inhibiting the terminal enzyme in the β-oxidation pathway, it shifts the energy substrate metabolism, enhancing glucose metabolism. Thus, it maintains the required energy production with less oxygen consumption, an effect necessary in cases of myocardi. Trimetazidine was recently reaccredited as add-on therapy for symptomatic treatment in patients with stable angina, not adequately controlled or intolerant to first-line therapy. Trimetazidine was included in the European Society of Cardioloy 2013 guidelines for the management of stable coronary artery disease. Although TMZ has been used in cardiology for >40 years, only a few studies have assessed its effects in patients with acute ischemic conditions. This review summarizes the current literature regarding the addition of TMZ in patients with acute ischemic conditions (acute myocardial infarction, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass grafting). There is growing evidence from recent studies that the addition of TMZ in patients with such conditions is beneficial in terms of myocardial damage and major cardiac events as well as decreasing reperfusion injury and contrast-induced nephropathy.

Trimetazidine Protects Cardiomyocytes Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury by Promoting AMP-activated Protein Kinase-dependent Autophagic Flux

Trimetazidine (TMZ), a metabolic agent, may protect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Because of the critical role of autophagy in cardioprotection, we aimed to evaluate whether autophagy was involved in TMZ-induced protection during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to H/R injury, and they were divided into 7 groups: control, control+TMZ, control+chloroquine (Cq)/compound C (com C), H/R, H/R+TMZ, H/R+Cq/com C, and H/R+TMZ+Cq/com C. Autophagic flux was primarily assessed by Western blot and tandem fluorescent mRFP-GFP-LC3. Assays for MTS, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and lactate dehydrogenase release were performed to assess cell injury. Our results showed that TMZ pretreatment had a cardioprotective effect against H/R injury. The H/R+TMZ group had an increased ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I and increased autophagic flux (degradation of p62 and increases in autophagosomes and autolysosomes). TMZ also reduced apoptosis and enhanced cell survival while inducing autophagy. Correspondingly, autophagy inhibition with Cq blocked this protective effect. Furthermore, TMZ-induced enhancement of autophagy could be related to increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and decreased Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, which was abolished by an AMPK-specific inhibitor (com C). Our data provide evidence that TMZ pretreatment protects against H/R injury by promoting autophagic flux through the AMPK signaling pathway.

Trimetazidine and Other Metabolic Modifiers

Treatment goals for people with chronic angina should focus on the relief of symptoms and improving mortality rates so the patient can feel better and live longer. The traditional haemodynamic approach to ischaemic heart disease was based on the assumption that increasing oxygen supply and decreasing oxygen demand would improve symptoms. However, data from clinical trials, show that about one third of people continue to have angina despite a successful percutaneous coronary intervention and medical therapy. Moreover, several trials on chronic stable angina therapy and revascularisation have failed to show benefits in terms of primary outcome (survival, cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality), symptom relief or echocardiographic parameters. Failure to significantly improve quality of life and prognosis may be attributed in part to a limited understanding of ischaemic heart disease, by neglecting the fact that ischaemia is a metabolic disorder. Shifting cardiac metabolism from free fatty acids towards glucose is a promising approach for the treatment of patients with stable angina, independent of the underlying disease (macrovascular and/or microvascular disease). Cardiac metabolic modulators open the way to a greater understanding of ischaemic heart disease and its common clinical manifestations as an energetic disorder rather than an imbalance between the demand and supply of oxygen and metabolites.

Effectiveness and safety of anti-ischemic trimetazidine in patients with stable angina pectoris and Type 2 diabetes

Aim & methods: This 6-month prospective, observational, noninterventional, open-label clinical study assessed the effectiveness/safety of trimetazidine in 737 patients with stable angina pectoris and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (OGYI/51534–1/2014). Results: Trimetazidine-based therapy was effective in stable coronary artery disease, with significant improvements from baseline (p < 0.05) in: number of angina attacks/week (2.9 ± 2.4 vs 1.1 ± 1.6), angina severity (Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification 1.9 ± 0.8 vs 1.2 ± 0.8), exercise capacity (metabolic equivalents 6.1 ± 1.7 vs 6.5 ± 1.7), and exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (min 5.5 ± 2.5 vs 6.5 ± 2.6). Discussion: Trimetazidine treatment significantly (p < 0.05) improved glucose metabolism, lowered HbA1c (7.1 ± 1.1% vs 6.6 ± 1.0%), glucose levels (7.7 ± 2.1 mmol/l vs 6.9 ± 1.6 mmol/l) and decreased arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity 11.2 ± 2.1 m/s vs 10.4 ± 2.2 m/s). In most patients, the tolerability of trimetazidine was rated as excellent to good, with a low incidence of adverse events.

Modulation of myocardial energetics: An important category of agents in the multimodal treatment of coronary artery disease and heart failure

The combined and relative contribution of glucose and fatty acid oxidation generates myocardial energy, which regulates the cardiac function and efficiency. Any dysregulation in this metabolic homeostasis can adversely affect the function of heart and contribute to cardiac conditions such as angina and heart failure. Metabolic agents ameliorate this internal metabolic anomaly, by shifting the energy production pathway from free fatty acids to glucose, resulting in a better performance of the heart. Metabolic therapy is relatively a new modality, which functions through optimization of cardiac substrate metabolism. Among the metabolic therapies, trimetazidine and ranolazine are the agents presently available in India. In the present review, we would like to present the metabolic perspective of pathophysiology of coronary artery disease and heart failure, and metabolic therapy by using trimetazidine and ranolazine.

Real-world Evidence for the Antianginal Efficacy of Trimetazidine from the Russian Observational CHOICE-2 Study

INTRODUCTION

The guidelines recommend a beta-blocker or calcium channel blocker as the first-line medication for angina, supplemented by other agents for additional symptoms. One such agent is trimetazidine (TMZ), which has been shown to reduce the frequency of anginal episodes and improve exercise performance without affecting haemodynamic parameters. However, extensive real-world evidence for its efficacy in combination with first-line therapies has been lacking.

METHODS

The aim of this large-scale, Russian, multicentre, 6-month, open-label, prospective observational study was to assess the effect of adding TMZ modified release 35 mg bid to background antianginal therapy in the real-world clinical setting.

RESULTS

The study included 896 patients: 54% women, aged 29-90 years (42.6% >65 years), 63% with class II angina, and receiving beta-blockers alone or in combination (93%). Add-on TMZ reduced angina frequency and short-acting nitrate use within 2 weeks (both p < 0.0001) regardless of background therapy and maintained this effect over 6 months. It increased the proportion of patients with class I angina sixfold while decreasing that of class 3 angina almost fourfold. It also improved walking distance and well-being at 6 months (both p < 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

Add-on TMZ is a safe and rapidly effective treatment for reducing angina attacks and nitrate use in the real-world clinical setting. It also increases exercise capacity and well-being. These effects are observed within 2 weeks and persist for at least 6 months.

Advancements in pharmacotherapy for angina

INTRODUCTION

Angina pectoris is the most prevalent symptomatic manifestation of ischemic heart disease, frequently leads to a poor quality of life, and is a major cause of medical resource consumption. Since the early descriptions of nitrite and nitrate in the 19th century, there has been considerable advancement in the pharmacologic management of angina. Areas covered: Management of chronic angina is often challenging for clinicians. Despite introduction of several pharmacological agents in last few decades, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience symptoms (i.e., refractory angina) with subsequent disability. For the purpose of this review, we searched PubMed and Cochrane databases from inception to August 2016 for the most clinically relevant publications that guide current practice in angina therapy and its development. In this article, we briefly review the pathophysiology of angina and mechanism-based classification of current therapy. This is followed by evidence-based insight into the traditional and novel pharmacotherapeutic agents, highlighting their clinical usefulness. Expert opinion: Considering the wide array of available therapies with different mechanism efficacy and limiting factors, a personalized approach is essential, particularly for patients with refractory angina. Ongoing research with novel pharmacologic modalities is likely to provide new options for management of angina.

Newer Therapies for Management of Stable Ischemic Heart Disease With Focus on Refractory Angina

Ischemic heart disease remains a major public health problem nationally and internationally. Stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD) is one of the clinical manifestations of ischemic heart disease and is generally characterized by episodes of reversible myocardial demand/supply mismatch, related to ischemia or hypoxia, which are usually inducible by exercise, emotion, or other stress and reproducible-but which may also be occurring spontaneously. Improvements in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes along with increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, including diabetes and obesity, have led to increasing population of patients with SIHD. A significant number of these continue to have severe angina despite medical management and revascularization procedures performed and may progress to refractory angina. This article reviews the newer therapies in the treatment of SIHD with special focus in treating patients with refractory angina.

Trimetazidine in Practice: Review of the Clinical and Experimental Evidence

All of the following traditional agents for the management of stable angina pectoris include the symptomatic treatment with heart rate–lowering agents such as β-blockers or non-dihydropyridine Ca-channel blockers, or ivabradine—the first selective sinus node I_f channel inhibitor—vasodilatators and preventive use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors affect the parameters of circulation directly. Trimetazidine exerts its anti-ischemic action by modulating cardiac metabolism without altering the hemodynamic functions, therefore represents an excellent complementary potential to the conventional angina treatment. It has a beneficial effect on the inflammatory profile and endothelial function and shows diverse benefits by reducing the number and the intensity of angina attacks and improving the clinical signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia given as monotherapy as well as combined with other antianginal agents. Patients undergoing coronary revascularization procedures or with comorbid left ventricular dysfunction and diabetes mellitus also benefit from the protective effects of trimetazidine.

The risk of cardiovascular side effects with anti-anginal drugs

INTRODUCTION

Angina pectoris is a common presenting symptom of underlying coronary artery disease or reduced coronary flow reserve. Patients with angina have impaired quality of life; and need to be treated optimally with antianginal drugs to control symptoms and improve exercise performance. A wide range of antianginal medications are approved for the treatment of angina, and often more than one class of antianginal drugs are used to adequately control the symptoms. This expert opinion highlights the likely cardiac adverse effects of available antianginal drugs, and how to minimize these in individual patients and especially during combination treatment. Areas covered: All approved antianginal drugs, including the older and newly approved medications with different mechanism of action to the older drugs as well as some of the unapproved herbal medications. The safety profiles and potential cardiac side effects of these medications when used as monotherapy or as combination therapy are discussed and highlighted. Expert opinion: Because of the different cardiac safety profiles and possible side effects, we recommend selection of initial drug or adjustment of therapy based on the resting heart rate; blood pressure, hemodynamic status; and resting left ventricular function, concomitant medications and any associated comorbidities.

Economic evaluation of trimetazidine in the management of chronic stable angina in Greece

Background

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of trimetazidine (TMZ) as add-on therapy to standard-of-care (SoC) compared to SoC alone in patients with chronic stable angina who did not respond adequately to first line therapy with b-blockers, nitrates or calcium channel antagonists in Greece.

Methods

A Markov model with 3-month cycles and 1-year time horizon was developed to assess the comparators. The analysis was conducted from a third-party payer perspective. The clinical inputs and utility values were extracted from the published literature. Resource consumption data were obtained from local experts, using a questionnaire developed for the purpose of the study and were combined with unit cost data (in €2016) obtained from official sources. Cost effectiveness was assessed by calculating the incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) was performed to account for uncertainty and variation in the input parameters of the model.

Results

The analysis showed that the cost of TMZ plus SoC was €1755.57 versus €1751.76 of SoC alone. In terms of health outcomes, TMZ plus SoC was associated with 0.6650 QALYs versus 0.6562 QALYs for SoC alone. The incremental analysis resulted in an ICER of €430.67 per QALY gained. PSA revealed that the probability of TMZ plus SoC being cost-effective over SoC was 89 %, at a threshold of €34,000 per QALY gained.

Conclusion

The results indicate that TMZ as add –on treatment may be a highly cost-effective option for the symptomatic treatment of patients with chronic stable angina in Greece relative to SoC alone.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1779-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Metabolic Modulators for Chronic Cardiac Ischemia

Many patients with ischemic heart disease continue to experience anginal symptoms despite revascularization and treatment with antianginal medications. The effectiveness of current anti-ischemic medications is limited by their hemodynamic side effects, such as hypotension and bradycardia, which result in compromised organ perfusion. In this article, we review five novel agents (ranolazine, trimetazidine, L-carnitine, ribose, and dichloroacetate) under investigation for treatment of ischemic heart disease that work by enhancing the efficiency of the myocardium, rather than decreasing its work. This new paradigm promises to eliminate these side effects.

Present and future pharmacotherapeutic agents in heart failure: an evolving paradigm

Many conditions culminate in heart failure (HF), a multi‐organ systemic syndrome with an intrinsically poor prognosis. Pharmacotherapeutic agents that correct neurohormonal dysregulation and haemodynamic instability have occupied the forefront of developments within the treatment of HF in the past. Indeed, multiple trials aimed to validate these agents in the 1980s and early 1990s, resulting in a large and robust evidence‐base supporting their use clinically. An established treatment paradigm now exists for the treatment of HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), but there have been very few notable developments in recent years. HF remains a significant health concern with an increasing incidence as the population ages. We may indeed be entering the surgical era for HF treatment, but these therapies remain expensive and inaccessible to many. Newer pharmacotherapeutic agents are slowly emerging, many targeting alternative therapeutic pathways, but with mixed results. Metabolic modulation and manipulation of the nitrate/nitrite/nitric oxide pathway have shown promise and could provide the answers to fill the therapeutic gap between medical interventions and surgery, but further definitive trials are warranted. We review the significant evidence base behind the current medical treatments for HFrEF, the physiology of metabolic impairment in HF, and discuss two promising novel agents, perhexiline and nitrite.

Trimetazidine does not alter metabolic substrate oxidation in cardiac mitochondria of target patient population

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Trimetazidine, known as a metabolic modulator, is an anti-anginal drug used for treatment of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). It is proposed to act via modulation of cardiac metabolism, shifting the mitochondrial substrate utilization towards carbohydrates, thus increasing the efficiency of ATP production. This mechanism was recently challenged; however, these studies used indirect approaches and animal models, which made their conclusions questionable. The goal of the current study was to assess the effect of trimetazidine on mitochondrial substrate oxidation directly in left ventricular myocardium from CAD patients.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mitochondrial fatty acid (palmitoylcarnitine) and carbohydrate (pyruvate) oxidation were measured in permeabilized left ventricular fibres obtained during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery from CAD patients, which either had trimetazidine included in their therapy (TMZ group) or not (Control).

KEY RESULTS

There was no difference between the two groups in the oxidation of either palmitoylcarnitine or pyruvate, and in the ratio of carbohydrate to fatty acid oxidation. Activity and expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase, the key regulator of carbohydrate metabolism, were also not different. Lastly, acute in vitro exposure of myocardial tissue to different concentrations of trimetazidine did not affect myocardial oxidation of fatty acid.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Using myocardial tissue from CAD patients, we found that trimetazidine (applied chronically in vivo or acutely in vitro) had no effect on cardiac fatty acid and carbohydrate oxidation, suggesting that the clinical effects of trimetazidine are unlikely to be due to its metabolic effects, but rather to an as yet unidentified intracardiac mechanism.

The protective effect of trimetazidine on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury through activating AMPK and ERK signaling pathway

INTRODUCTION

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-anginal drug that has been widely used in Europe and Asia. The TMZ can optimize energy metabolism via inhibition of long-chain 3-ketoacyl CoA thiolase (3-KAT) in the heart, with subsequent decrease in fatty acid oxidation and stimulation of glucose oxidation. However, the mechanism by which TMZ aids in cardioprotection against ischemic injury has not been characterized. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor that controls ATP supply from substrate metabolism and protects heart from energy stress. TMZ changes the cardiac AMP/ATP ratio by modulating fatty acid oxidation, thereby triggering AMPK signaling cascade that contributes to the protection of the heart from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury.

METHODS

The mouse model of in vivo regional ischemia and reperfusion by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was used for determination of myocardial infarction. The infarct size was compared between C57BL/6J WT mice and AMPK kinase dead (KD) transgenic mice with or without TMZ treatment. The ex vivo working heart perfusion system was used to monitor the effect of TMZ on glucose oxidation and fatty acid oxidation in the heart.

RESULTS

TMZ treatment significantly stimulates cardiac AMPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways (p<0.05 vs. vehicle group). The administration of TMZ reduces myocardial infarction size in WT C57BL/6J hearts, the reduction of myocardial infarction size by TMZ in AMPK KD hearts was significantly impaired versus WT hearts (p<0.05). Intriguingly, the administration of ERK inhibitor, PD98059, to AMPK KD mice abolished the cardioprotection of TMZ against I/R injury. The ex vivo working heart perfusion data demonstrated that TMZ treatment significantly activates AMPK signaling and modulating the substrate metabolism by shifting fatty acid oxidation to glucose oxidation during reperfusion, leading to reduction of oxidative stress in the I/R hearts. Therefore, both AMPK and ERK signaling pathways mediate the cardioprotection of TMZ against ischemic injury. The metabolic benefits of TMZ for angina patients could be due to the activation of energy sensor AMPK in the heart by TMZ administration.

Pharmacological and emerging therapies in the treatment of chronic angina

Chronic angina is a common manifestation of ischaemic heart disease. Medical treatments are the mainstay approach to reduce the occurrence of angina and improve patients' quality of life. This Series paper focuses on commonly used standard treatments (eg, nitrates, β blockers, and calcium-channel blockers), emerging anti-angina treatments (which are not available in all parts of the world), and experimental treatments. Although many emerging treatments are available, evidence is scarce about their ability to reduce angina and ischaemia.

Defining the role of trimetazidine in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders: some insights on its role in heart failure and peripheral artery disease

Trimetazidine is a cytoprotective drug whose cardiovascular effectiveness, especially in patients with stable ischemic heart disease, has been the source of much controversy in recent years; some have gone so far as to treat the medication as a ‘placebo drug’ whose new side effects, such as Parkinsonian symptoms, outweigh its benefits. This article is an attempt to present the recent key studies, including meta-analyses, on the use of trimetazidine in chronic heart failure, also in patients with diabetes mellitus and arrhythmia, as well as in peripheral artery disease. This paper also includes the most recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines, including those of 2013, on the use of trimetazidine in cardiovascular disease.

The effect of trimetazidine added to pharmacological treatment on all-cause mortality in patients with systolic heart failure

The anti-ischemic agent trimetazidine (TMZ) added to pharmacological treatment appears to have positive effects on cardiac parameters of patients with heart failure (HF) as a result of specific antioxidant properties.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to verify whether the marked improvement provided by TMZ in echocardiographic and clinical parameters was likely to translate into reduced all-cause mortality in systolic HF patients.

METHODS

Meta-analysis of available published prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) data (1967-2014) retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Collaboration.

RESULTS

A total of 326 patients from 3 RCTs were analyzed: 164 who received TMZ on top of pharmacological HF therapy and 162 controls. Study durations ranged from 12 to 48 months. The analysis had no publication bias and the studies were homogeneous (p = 0.442, I(2) = 0). The results show a significant effect of TMZ on the reduction of all-cause mortality (RR = 0.283, p < 0.0001). The rate of events attributable to the drug was lower with TMZ than it was among control patients.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that in patients with HF, TMZ given as an add-on therapy is likely to provide a protective effect, reduce all-cause mortality and increase event-free survival, and could be an effective and useful adjunct to our armamentarium for the treatment of HF patients.

Comparison of ranolazine and trimetazidine on glycemic status in diabetic patients with coronary artery disease - a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death around the globe and diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered to be a coronary artery disease (CAD) risk equivalent. Ranolazine, an anti anginal drug has been found to reduce Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetes patients with chronic angina. However the effect of another antianginal drug trimetazidine, on glycemic status is not clear.

AIM

To compare the effect of ranolazine and trimetazidine on glycemic status in diabetic patients with CAD.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

Patients diagnosed with CAD and diabetes mellitus attending Cardiology Out Patient Department (OPD), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India were recruited for this randomized open label parallel arm trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study conducted from January-2012 to April-2013 had 47 eligible patients diagnosed with CAD and diabetes mellitus. They were randomized to receive either ranolazine 500 mg BD or trimetazidine 35 mg BD for 12 weeks. HbA1c levels, fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, QT and QTc intervals were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Unpaired t-test was used to compare the baseline characteristics of between the groups while comparison within the groups were done using Paired t-test. Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney U-tests were used for non parametric data. Graph pad instat version-3 was used for statistical analysis. Values were expressed as mean ± SD. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study could not find any change in HbA1c levels in both ranolazine and trimetazidine groups. The adverse effects reported from patients on ranolazine include angina, constipation, postural hypotension, headache, dizziness, nausea and weakness while patients on trimetazidine complained of constipation, weakness, palpitations, angina, dizziness, nausea, dyspepsia, headache, gastric discomfort, joint pain, etc.

CONCLUSION

In patients with chronic angina and diabetes mellitus Ranolazine 500mg BD and Trimetazidine 35mg BD did not show any effect on HbA1c and fasting blood glucose lebel.

Trimetazidine and cardioprotection: facts and perspectives

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a metabolic agent used in cardiology for more than 40 years. Several studies assessed the cardioprotective effects of TMZ in patients with chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) as well as in patients with heart failure (HF). In light of the inclusion of TMZ in the current guidelines on the management of stable CHD, we reviewed the published literature on TMZ, focusing mainly its effects on patients with stable angina and HF. According to the published literature, there is sufficient evidence to support the addition of this agent in the treatment of symptomatic patients with stable angina.

Patterns and determinants of cardiovascular drug utilization in coronary care unit patients of a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND

A wide variation exists in the patterns of pharmacotherapy among patients admitted with cardiovascular diseases. Very few studies have evaluated the potential determinants of drug utilization. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and patterns of cardiovascular drug utilization among patients in coronary care unit (CCU) and assess the determinants of cardiovascular drug use among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of CCU patients were reviewed independently by two trained physicians over one year. Patients were analyzed as two groups - those with CAD and without CAD. Multivariate logistic regression was done to identify the determinants of cardiovascular drug utilization in the CAD group.

RESULTS

Of 574 patients, 65% were males, 57% were <60 years. The five commonly prescribed drug classes were platelet inhibitors (88.7%), statins (76.3%), ACE-inhibitors/Angiotensin receptor blockers (72%), beta-blockers (58%) and heparin (57%). Poly-pharmacy (>5 drugs) was noticed in 71% of patients. A majority of patients had diagnosis of CAD (72.6%). CAD patients received significantly higher median number of drugs and had longer duration of CCU stay (p < 0.0001). Renal dysfunction for ACE-inhibitors [0.18 (0.09-0.36)], ST-elevation myocardial infarction for calcium channel blockers [0.29 (0.09-0.93)] and brady-arrhythmias for beta-blockers [0.3 (0.2-0.7)] were identified as determinants of decreased drug use in CAD group.

CONCLUSION

Predominance of male gender, age <60 and poly-pharmacy was observed in CCU. Antithrombotics, statins, ACE-inhibitors/Angiotensin receptor blockers and beta-blockers were the most frequently prescribed drugs. Clinical co-morbidities (renal dysfunction, arrhythmias) decreased the utilization of ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers among CAD patients.

Ranolazine: new approach for the treatment of stable angina pectoris

Myocardial ischemia is a metabolic problem involving reduced delivery of oxygen to cardiac mitochondria, resulting in less ATP formation, acceleration of glycolysis and production of lactate and H+ by the cell. Traditional therapies for ischemia aim at restoring the balance between mitochondrial ATP production and breakdown by reducing the need for ATP via suppression of heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac contractility, or by increasing oxygen delivery via increased myocardial blood flow. Despite optimal treatment with traditional hemodynamically oriented drugs (beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, Ca2+ channel antagonist and nitrates), many patients continue to suffer from angina. Thus, there is a need for anti-anginal drugs that act directly on cardiomyocytes to lessen the metabolic abnormalities induced by ischemia and reduce the symptoms (chest pain and exercise intolerance). Ranolazine has been demonstrated to improve exercise time to angina or 1 mm of ST-segment depression in a manner similar to currently approved drugs, but without any significant effects on heart rate or blood pressure at rest or during exercise. In two Phase III trials, ranolazine improved exercise tolerance and reduced the frequency of angina attacks in chronic severe angina patients when administered either as monotherapy or on a background of atenolol, amlodinine or diltiazem. At present, ranolazine is under review for US Food and Drug Administration approval and, if approved, it will represent the first drug of its class in the USA.