Products they are developing

The drug that Cardiome Pharma Corp has developed is called Vernakalant, in an oral as well as in intravenous form. Both forms of the drug are meant to be used to repress atrial fibrillation. The oral form of Vernakalant has recently received positive results in July and September of 2006. It is to be used for regular heart rhythm preservation. The I.V. form of Vernakalant is in phase three, where it is under safety evaluation as well as the drug’s efficacy evaluation (Cardiome Pharma Corp, 2007). In addition, Cardiome pharma Corp has developed a pre-clinical program aimed at improving cardiovascular function in unique ways (Biomedical Informatics, 2007).

How Vernakalant Works to Treat Arrhythmias

Vernakalant (iv) is designed to treat acute atrial fibrillation and seeks to “block ion channels in the heart that are known to be active during episodes of atrial fibrillation” (Cardiome Pharma Corp, 2007). Therefore, ventricular function is left unaffected and this is particularly important for the improved safety profile of this drug (Biomedical Informatics, 2007). Because of it's "highly targeted mechanism of action", this drug is anticipated to surpass other drugs developed to combat atrial fibrillation (Cardiome Pharma Corp, 2007). Vernakalant (oral) is designed to prevent or slow the recurrence of atrial fibrillation and is used as a follow-up treatment to the intravenous form (Cardiome Pharma Corp, 2007).