RCT: Imatinib mesylate as add-on therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension: (IMPRES)

Source: Circulation Area: News A recent phase II study has reported that imatinib could improve pulmonary haemodynamics, especially in those with greater haemodynamic impairment. The aim of the present international RCT (IMPRES) was to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of imatinib in patients with advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).   Patients with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ?800 dynes/sec/cm5 who were symptomatic on more than 2 PAH therapies (41% patients received 3 PAH therapies with the remainder on 2 therapies) were randomised to imatinib (n=103; starting dose of 200mg) or placebo (n=99) once daily. The primary outcome was change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) from baseline to week 24. After completion of the 24-week core study, patients were eligible to enter a long-term open-label extension study (currently ongoing).   The following results were reported:   . Imatinib statistically significantly improved 6MWD compared with placebo, ...
Source: NeLM - Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Source Type: news