Angina drug Ikorel (nicorandil) shows cardioprotective benefits in stable angina

New data from a University of Glasgow study, presented today at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2001 showed that the anti-anginal medication, Ikorel, reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) death, heart attacks and unplanned hospitalisation for cardiac pain associated with CHD in patients with chronic stable angina of effort.

The IONA (Impact of Nicorandil in Angina) study was designed to establish whether Ikorel could protect against severe and life threatening coronary events in people already receiving treatment for stable angina of effort. The study was conducted by the University of Glasgow, and recruited 5,126 patients with angina who were at higher than average risk of critical cardiovascular events. Approximately 8,500 patient years of data were collected.

During IONA, Ikorel reduced the combined endpoint of coronary heart disease (CHD) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction and unplanned hospitalisation for chest pain in patients with stable angina of effort [-17% p=0.014]. This confirms the cardioprotective effect of Ikorel suggested by previous clinical and pre-clinical studies2. These results suggest that Ikorel may play an important role as a potentially life-saving therapy for patients with coronary heart disease, as well as reducing symptoms.

Lead Investigator of IONA, Professor Henry Dargie, at the University of Glasgow, commented: "The IONA trial demonstrates that nicorandil improves outcome in patients with chronic stable angina. This landmark study is the first demonstration of a reduction in major coronary events by specific anti-anginal medication in a trial large enough to address outcomes."

Nicorandil is marketed as Ikorel in the UK, where it was launched in 1994. It is currently licensed for the prevention and treatment of chronic stable angina. Ikorel has become a widely used anti-anginal therapy since its launch. Following 17 years of clinical experience in world-wide, nicorandil's safety record continues to give physicians confidence when treating this important patient group.

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First published: 15 November 2001