Summary of New Drug Shows Promise in Alleviating Heart Failure:
According to researchers at the University of Auckland, a new drug called AF-130 has shown potential for treating heart failure and sleep apnea. This new drug works in a novel way compared to other medications that improve the prognosis of heart failure. The drug enhances the heart’s pumping capacity and reduces the “fight or flight” response, which can contribute to sleep apnea and reduced life expectancy in patients with heart failure. AF-130 is soon to be FDA-approved for another health issue, paving the way for human trials in the next year or two.
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New AF-130 Drug Offers Hope for Treating Heart Failure and Sleep Apnea
Heart failure is a debilitating condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Congestive heart failure often accompanies sleep apnea, leading to poorer health outcomes and shorter lifespans. However, a new drug called AF-130 has demonstrated the potential to relieve heart failure and sleep apnea, according to researchers at the University of Auckland.
What are Heart Failure and Sleep Apnea?
Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to support the body’s needs. This results in fatigue, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs and abdomen. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a sleep disorder characterized by brief interruptions in breathing that occur during sleep. The most common form, obstructive sleep apnea, occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, leading to brief awakenings and decreased sleep quality.
Both heart failure and sleep apnea can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to a reduced ability to perform daily activities and increased health risks.
How Does AF-130 Work?
AF-130 is a drug that improves the heart’s pumping capacity and reduces the “fight or flight” response after a heart attack or heart failure. The sympathetic system activates this response, causing the brain to increase heart activity and blood pressure. However, the nervous system doesn’t switch off this automatic response, leading to chronic activation.
The drug also simultaneously improves breathing during sleep, reducing the incidence of sleep apnea. This combined approach has not been seen before in heart failure treatments.
Animal Testing Results
During animal testing at Waipapa Taumata Rau at the University of Auckland, the researchers found that AF-130 benefits heart failure and sleep apnea. The dual function of the drug in easing heart problems and sleep apnea was seen as a significant advantage over existing treatments.
“This drug does offer benefit for heart failure, but it’s two for the price of one, in that it’s also relieving the apnea for which there is currently no drug, only CPAP (a breathing device), which is poorly tolerated,” said Professor Julian Paton, director of the University’s Manaaki Manawa, Centre for Heart Research.
Human Trials and FDA Approval
AF-130 is soon to be FDA-approved for another health issue, paving the way for human trials shortly. This news inspires the researchers, as it could potentially improve the lives of almost 200,000 people with heart disease in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
“Over recent decades, there have been several classes of drugs that have improved the prognosis of heart failure,” said cardiology consultant and Associate Professor Martin Stiles. “However, none of these drugs work as this new agent does. So it is exciting to see a novel method that potentially reverses some features of heart failure.”
Final Thoughts
Heart failure is a challenging condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. The combined effect of heart failure and sleep apnea can be particularly devastating. However, researchers at the University of Auckland have discovered a new drug, AF-130, that offers hope for those living with these conditions. If human trials are successful, this drug could vastly improve the health outcomes of millions of people worldwide.
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