An international study of the beta-blocker carvedilol in patients with advanced chronic heart failure has been stopped early because of the survival benefit shown with the drug. The study, called Copernicus, involved over 2,200 patients, from 21 countries, with advanced heart failure (symptoms at rest or on mimimal exertion). Carvedilol, or placebo, was added to standard treatment.
Announcing the premature ending of the study, Smithkline Beecham (which markets carvedilol in the US) said the mortality rate was significantly lower in the beta-blocker group.
The benefit of using beta-blockers in heart failure has become apparent in recent years but trials to date have largely involved mild to moderate disease. "Many cardiologists have feared that drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system might not be effective and could be potentially dangerous in patients with advanced heart failure," said Professor Milton Packer (professor of medicine, New York), chairman of the trial steering committee. The results showed that carvedilol prolonged life and was well tolerated in these groups, Professor Packer said.