Cardiome and Merck release pivotal data for Brinavess IV

In a new Phase 3 study, Brinavess (vernakalant) intravenous, an investigational compound being developed in the European Union by Cardiome Pharma (NASDAQ: CRME; TSX: COM) and Merck (NYSE: MRK) to treat atrial fibrillation, was shown to be superior to amiodarone injection in converting patients’ heart rate from AF to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes of the start of administration.

The results of the study were presented during a late-breaking clinical trials session at the annual meeting of the Heart Rhythm Society.  Brinavess in the intravenous formulation is currently under review in the European Union.

In the study, 51.7% of patients on Brinavess converted from AF to normal sinus rhythm within 90 minutes, versus 5.2% in the amiodarone group.  The median time to conversion in patients who responded to Brinavess was 11 minutes.