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Brinavess (Vernakalant)
Vernakalant blocks atrial-selective potassium and sodium channels to rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Vernakalant blocks atrial-selective potassium and sodium channels to rapidly restore normal heart rhythm in patients with atrial fibrillation. Used for Rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm.
At a glance
| Generic name | Brinavess (Vernakalant) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna |
| Drug class | Atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agent |
| Target | Atrial potassium channels (Kv1.5, Kv4.3) and sodium channels |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Vernakalant is an atrial-selective antiarrhythmic agent that inhibits multiple ion channels (potassium and sodium channels) with preferential effects on atrial tissue. By blocking these channels, it prolongs the atrial action potential duration and refractory period, thereby suppressing ectopic atrial activity and facilitating conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm. Its atrial selectivity reduces the risk of ventricular proarrhythmia compared to non-selective antiarrhythmics.
Approved indications
- Rapid conversion of recent-onset atrial fibrillation to sinus rhythm
Common side effects
- Dysgeusia (taste disturbance)
- Flushing
- Phlebitis at infusion site
- Hypotension
- Ventricular arrhythmias
Key clinical trials
- RAFF4 Trial: Vernakalant vs. Procainamide for Acute Atrial Fibrillation in the Emergency Department (PHASE4)
- Vernakalant Versus Amiodarone for Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation in Cardiac Surgery Patients (PHASE3)
- Predictive Factors to Effectively Terminate Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation by Blocking Atrial Selective Ionic Currents (PHASE4)
- Study of Normal Conditions of Use, Dosing, and Safety of Intravenous (IV) Administration of Vernakalant (MK-6621-049)
- A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Vernakalant Hydrochloride (MK-6621) in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation (MK-6621-010 AM4) (PHASE3)
- Vernakalant Versus Ibutilide In Recent-Onset Atrial Fibrillation (PHASE4)
- A Phase 3b Study of Vernakalant Injection in Patients With Recent Onset Symptomatic Atrial Fibrillation (AF)(MK-6621-045) (PHASE3)
- A Study Comparing Vernakalant Therapy to Amiodarone Therapy in Acute Management of Recent Onset Atrial Fibrillation (AF) (MK-6621-055) (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Brinavess (Vernakalant) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Brinavess (Vernakalant) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Medical University of Vienna portfolio CI