Cardioprotection
Cardiovascular disease is by far the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. By the year 2020, it is predicted that acute coronary occlusion will be the major cause of death in the world. Cardiologists and surgeons have an array of mechanical and pharmacological treatments for patients with acute and chronic coronary insufficiency. Most of these approaches are intended to increase blood flow to the affected region of the heart. Advances in reperfusion treatments, such as angioplasty, and the use of thrombolytic drugs are improving the survival rate of patients with myocardial ischemia.
There is still a significant need, however, for agents that minimize damage to ischemic cells in areas at risk during ischemic events. The population for which a cardioprotective drug may be appropriate is potentially very large. On an acute basis, such a therapy may provide benefit as a pretreatment for patients undergoing surgical procedures who are at high risk of cardiovascular events. This may be particularly beneficial for the 340,000 patients undergoing surgery for coronary artery bypass grafts and the 600,000 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty each year in the United States. This approach may also provide benefit to patients with known coronary artery disease that undergo non-cardiac surgery. An orally active agent may be useful in primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with chronic coronary artery disease who are at risk for myocardial infarction or sudden death.