The results showed that imaging using CorVue detects myocardial ischemia as well as imaging using adenosine, yet causes fewer and less severe side effects such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and flushing. In addition, there were no cases of atrioventricular block, a rare but potentially serious effect of approved agents.
In addition, CorVue was preferred over adenosine by seven out of 10 patients studied. Moreover, it achieved the primary trial end points for efficacy and tolerability and is administered as a single bolus dose, making it a potentially easier-to-use alternative agent.
Eric Carter, chief science officer of King, said: “The company expects to file a new drug application with the FDA by early 2009 seeking approval to market CorVue.”