[See footnotes for trade names]
ANGINA DRUG NICORANDIL SHOWS
CARDIOPROTECTIVE BENEFITS IN STABLE ANGINA
IONA Study Findings Announced at American Heart Association
Anaheim, California, USA, 14 November 2001: New data from the IONA study presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2001 showed that the anti-anginal medication nicorandil reduced the combination of CHD death, heart attacks and unplanned hospitalisation for cardiac pain associated with CHD (coronary heart disease) in patients with chronic stable angina of effort1.
The IONA (Impact of Nicorandil in Angina)# study was designed to establish whether nicorandil could protect against severe and life threatening coronary events in people already receiving treatment for stable angina of effort. The study was conducted by the University of Glasgow, UK, and recruited 5,126 patients with angina who were at higher than average risk of critical cardiovascular events. Approximately 8,500 patient years of data were collected.
During IONA, nicorandil reduced the combined endpoint of coronary heart disease (CHD) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and unplanned hospitalisation for chest pain in patients with stable angina of effort [-17% p=0.014]. This confirms the cardioprotective effect of nicorandil suggested by previous clinical and pre-clinical studies2. These results suggest that nicorandil may play an important role as a potentially life-saving therapy for patients with coronary heart disease, as well as reducing symptoms.
Lead Investigator of IONA, Professor Henry Dargie, at Glasgow University, commented: “The IONA trial demonstrates that nicorandil improves outcome in patients with chronic stable angina. This landmark study is the first
demonstration of a reduction in major coronary events by specific anti-anginal medication in a trial large enough to address outcomes.”
Nicorandil has become a widely used anti-anginal therapy since its launch in Japan in 1984 and in Europe in 1994. Following 17 years of clinical experience in the world, nicorandil’s safety record continues to give physicians confidence when treating this important patient group.
-ends-
For more information, please contact:
Georgia Ball, Ogilvy PR Worldwide Lara Gee, Ogilvy PR Worldwide
Onsite at AHALondon Office
Hotel: Tel: +44 20 7309 1158
Doubletree HotelFax: +44 20 7309 1221
Tel: +1 714 634 7114E-mail:
Mobile: +44 7733 126 057
Miriam Hughesman, Ogilvy PR Worldwide
Onsite at AHA
Hotel:
Doubletree Hotel
Tel: +1 714 634 7114
Mobile: + 44 7733 126 057
E-mail:
References:
1.Dargie HJ (2001) ‘IONA – Nicorandil for Stable Angina’. Oral presentation, American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2001, Anaheim, California
2.Patel DJ, Purcell HJ, Fox KM (1999) Eur Heart J 20: 51-7
#The IONA study was a multi-centre, double blind controlled study with patients randomised to receive placebo or nicorandil 10mg twice daily, increasing to 20mg twice daily after two weeks. Treatment was given in addition to patients’ usual anti-anginal therapy for a duration of between 12 and 36 months.
Nicorandil is marketed under the brand name Ikorel in UK, Ireland, Netherlands and Australia; Ikorel and Adancor in France; Angicor in Denmark; Dancor in Switzerland and Austria; Dancor and Nikoril in Portugal; Sigmart in Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
The trial received financial support from Merck KGaA §, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.† and Aventis Pharma AG*.
§Merck KGaA Headquartered in Darmstadt/Germany, the Merck Group generated sales of EUR 6,7 billion in 2000 in the fields of Pharmaceuticals, Specialty Chemicals, Lab Products and Lab Distribution. Founded in 1668, the Merck Group is represented today by more than 200 companies in 52 countries and employs 34,300 people worldwide. The company groups its operating activities under Merck KGaA, in which E. Merck, as a general partner, holds the Merck family’s 74 percent equity interest in Merck KGaA. The Merck Group strongly believes that promotion of its employees’ self-initiative and self-responsibility, application-oriented research and development and close customer relationships in the markets are the keys to long-term corporate success. For more information, please visit
†Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is one of the leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies and develops and markets products worldwide. Chugai has a record of innovation and has marketed several highly competitive and original new drugs including two breakthrough biotechnology drugs. Chugai has built a global R&D network and aims to strengthen its presence by focusing its research in three key therapeutic fields of cancer, bone and cardiovascular disease. For more information, please visit
*Aventis (NYSE: AVE) is dedicated to improving life through the discovery and development of innovative products. In 2000, Aventis generated group sales of EUR 22.3 billion and employed around 92,500 people in its Pharma and Agriculture businesses. Aventis was launched in December 1999 through the merger of Hoechst AG of Germany and Rhône-Poulenc SA of France. Corporate headquarters are in Strasbourg, France. For more information, please visit:
Aventis Pharma AG is the pharmaceutical company of Aventis. Aventis Pharma is dedicated to treating and preventing human disease through the discovery, development, manufacture and sale of innovative pharmaceutical products aimed at satisfying unmet medical needs. Aventis Pharma focuses on important therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, infectious diseases, arthritis, allergies and respiratory disorders, diabetes and the central nervous system disorders. Aventis Pharma has its corporate headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Aventis Pharma encompasses Aventis Pasteur, a world leader in vaccines based in Lyon, France, and Aventis Behring, a world leader in therapeutic proteins headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Statements in this news release other than historical information are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially depending on factors such as the availability of resources, the timing and effects of regulatory actions, the strength of competition, the outcome of litigation and the effectiveness of patent protection. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties is set forth in the current Annual Report on Form 20-F of Aventis on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.