More than 200 new drugs in pipeline for heart disease, stroke

There are 215 new heart disease and stroke medicines under development from biopharmaceutical research companies, according to a press release from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

The new drugs include 30 for HF, 29 for lipid disorders, 19 for stroke and 17 for hypertension, and are all currently in human clinical trials or under review by the FDA. The drugs incorporate new technologies and scientific methods such as stem cell therapy to treat ischemic HF; a genetic enzyme replacement therapy for congestive HF; and a genetically engineered protein derived from the saliva of the vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) to dissolve clots for the treatment of ischemic stroke, according to the Medicines in Development for Heart Disease and Stroke 2013 report presented by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of American (PhRMA).

“These promising new approaches offer great hope to better prevent and treat heart disease,” John J. Castellani, PhRMA president and CEO, said in a press release.

New medicine is largely responsible for the 33% decrease in the death rate for heart disease and stroke between 2001 and 2011, according to the CDC.

Other factors include early detection, better control of risk factors and expanded use of existing treatments, according to the press release.

“Safe and effective medicines that control blood pressure and lower cholesterol have helped to significantly reduce deaths from heart disease,” Castellani said.