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Tolvaptan or Samsca

Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc · Phase 3 active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Tolvaptan or Samsca is a Vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist Small molecule drug developed by Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc. It is currently in Phase 3 development for Hyponatremia, Autonomic dysfunction in heart failure.

Tolvaptan is a selective, competitive antagonist of the vasopressin V2 receptor.

Tolvaptan, also known as Samsca, is a small molecule that acts as a vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist. It is used to treat conditions such as hyponatremia, SIADH, heart failure, non-hypovolemic non-acute hyponatremia, and chronic renal failure.

Likelihood of approval
56.3% vs 58.3% industry baseline
If approved by FDA: likely 2028–2030
Steps remaining: NDA/BLA submission
Confidence: High
Why this estimate
  • Baseline phase 3 → approval rate +58.3pp
    Industry-wide phase 3 drugs reach approval ~58.3% of the time (BIO/Informa 2023 industry benchmark across all therapeutic areas).
  • Cardiovascular Phase 3 risk -2.0pp
    Modern cardiovascular outcome trials are large + long; many fail to beat aggressive standard-of-care.
Predicted approval windows by jurisdiction (conditional on FDA approval)
Regulator Country Likely year Lag vs FDA
FDA US 2028–2030
EMA EU 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
MHRA GB 2029–2031 +0.7 yr
Health Canada CA 2029–2032 +0.9 yr
TGA AU 2029–2032 +1.2 yr
PMDA JP 2029–2032 +1.5 yr
NMPA CN 2030–2033 +2.3 yr
MFDS KR 2029–2032 +1.4 yr
CDSCO IN 2029–2033 +1.8 yr
ANVISA BR 2030–2033 +2.3 yr

Hover any row for the lag rationale. Lag estimates are reduced when the drug has FDA Breakthrough or EMA PRIME designation (sponsors file globally in parallel).

Estimate based on the BIO/Informa industry phase transition rates plus per-drug modifiers for therapeutic area, sponsor type, FDA designations, mechanism, and trial design. Per-jurisdiction lags from Tufts CSDD international approval studies. Not investment, clinical or regulatory advice. Methodology: /methodology#likelihood.

At a glance

Generic nameTolvaptan or Samsca
SponsorCardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc
Drug classVasopressin V2 receptor antagonist
TargetVasopressin V2 receptor
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

By blocking the V2 receptor, tolvaptan reduces water reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased urine production and decreased fluid volume in the body. This mechanism is particularly useful in treating conditions such as hyponatremia and heart failure.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial 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:

Frequently asked questions about Tolvaptan or Samsca

What is Tolvaptan or Samsca?

Tolvaptan or Samsca is a Vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist drug developed by Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc, indicated for Hyponatremia, Autonomic dysfunction in heart failure.

How does Tolvaptan or Samsca work?

Tolvaptan is a selective, competitive antagonist of the vasopressin V2 receptor.

What is Tolvaptan or Samsca used for?

Tolvaptan or Samsca is indicated for Hyponatremia, Autonomic dysfunction in heart failure.

Who makes Tolvaptan or Samsca?

Tolvaptan or Samsca is developed by Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc (see full Cardiovascular Clinical Sciences Inc pipeline at /company/cardiovascular-clinical-sciences-inc).

What drug class is Tolvaptan or Samsca in?

Tolvaptan or Samsca belongs to the Vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist class. See all Vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist drugs at /class/vasopressin-v2-receptor-antagonist.

What development phase is Tolvaptan or Samsca in?

Tolvaptan or Samsca is in Phase 3.

What are the side effects of Tolvaptan or Samsca?

Common side effects of Tolvaptan or Samsca include Headache, Diarrhea, Nausea, Fatigue, Dizziness.

What does Tolvaptan or Samsca target?

Tolvaptan or Samsca targets Vasopressin V2 receptor and is a Vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing