Congestive heart failure (CHF) is something that affects about six million Americans, and it currently has no cure. Any treatment that does exist for this condition is supportive and symptomatic. This lack of treatment is what makes the development of NAN-101 so exciting. NAN-101 is a gene therapy that aims to inhibit a protein that is essential in the role of heart failure. The first person was dosed with this therapy, marking the beginning of Phase 1 of its clinical trial. Medical professionals are excited to see the results of this study; they are hopeful that this therapy will be a viable treatment for CHF.
About Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
Congestive heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition that is more commonly referred to as heart failure. Fluid accumulates around the heart, resulting in the inability to pump blood correctly. This problems leads to fluid building up in the lungs, abdomen, liver, and lower body. There are four stages of CHF, and they increase in severity. Treatment is necessary as this condition can be fatal.
CHF typically results from other medical conditions that affect the cardiovascular system. These conditions include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and valve conditions. While these three are the major causes of CHF, other conditions that may lead to it are diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, and severe allergic reactions.
Symptoms will increase in severity as the condition progresses. The symptoms of the earlier stages include fatigue, swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet, and increased activity of the bladder. As the disease continues, new symptoms may arrive, such as an irregular heartbeat, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. In the last stages of the condition, people will experience chest pain throughout the upper body, rapid breathing, bluish skin, and fainting.
A diagnosis will usually come from a cardiologist. A physical exam is the first step, which is followed by tests for confirmation. These tests include EKGs, echocardiograms, MRIs, stress tests, blood tests, and cardiac catheterization.
Once a diagnosis is obtained, treatment will vary depending on the stage of the condition and the overall health of the patient. Treatments include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, diuretics, and surgery.
About NAN-101
Asklepios BioPharmaceutical developed NAN-101, which is meant to activate protein phosphatase inhibitor 1. The protein phosphatase plays an important role in heart failure. It is administered through an intracoronary infusion by cardiac catheterization, allowing it to be given directly to the heart.
About NAN-CS101
NAN-CS101 is the clinical trial that will be evaluating the safety and impact of NAN-101. Researchers will look for improvements in heart function, exercise capacity, and other factors. This trial has recently dosed its first patient, marking the beginning of Phase 1. It is still actively enrolling participants as well.
The aim of this study is create a treatment that will offer an alternative to heart transplants and left ventricular assist devices. Researchers hope that it will better the lives of all of those with heart failure.
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