Abstract
Vernakalant (RSD1235) is a novel antiarrhythmic agent for conversion of rapid onset atrial fibrillation (AF). It is an atria-selective multichannel ion blocker (blocks IKur, INa, ICa, L, Ito and IKr), with a small effect on ventricular repolarization. In clinical Phase II and III studies, vernakalant was moderately (∼50%) effective in converting AF of short duration (< 7 days), and effective (∼70–80%) in converting AF of less than 72 h, but was not effective in converting long duration AF (>7 days) or atrial flutter. Vernakalant seems to have only a small proarrhythmic effect, with no reported cases of torsades de pointes in direct relation to vernakalant administration in Phase II and III studies. Overall, there are few reported serious adverse events.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.