At the end of November 2023, AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals GmbH (AOP Health), an Austrian pharmaceutical company based in Vienna, received authorization from the Canadian Health Authority (Health Canada) for its ultra-short-acting, cardioselective β1-blocker Landiolol. The drug is used in intensive care to treat atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter (supraventricular tachycardia) and non-compensatory sinus tachycardia, hence when the heartbeat accelerates acutely without an identifiable cause. The authorization allows a certain group of intensive care patients access to an additional therapy option. In addition, it opens the door to the North American market for AOP Health.
Landiolol, which is already authorized in the EU, has been repeatedly presented to the Canadian medical community at international medical congresses. In Canada, Landiolol will only be available in hospitals.
Local Distributor
Landiolol will be launched and distributed through a local partner, Trimedic Therapeutics Inc. Csilla Repas, AOP Health Corporate Alliance Director explains: "As an established stakeholder in the Canadian healthcare sector and an expert in the field of intensive care medicine, Trimedic Therapeutics Inc. has the necessary know-how to successfully accompany the market entry. We are pleased that we have been able to acquire a strong partner in Trimedic Therapeutics Inc. for this important task."
About supraventricular tachycardia
Supraventricular tachycardia (including atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter) can occur in patients with and without heart disease alike. Since these conditions can impair cardiac function and thus lead to acute problems of the cardiovascular system, they require immediate medical attention. Compared to other β1-selective beta blockers, AOP Health's ultra-short-acting beta blockers are characterized by a faster onset of effect and a rapid reduction of the heart rate without significantly lowering the blood pressure. The use of this intravenously administered beta-blocker is limited to acute situations and emergencies and is not intended for the treatment of chronic cardiac arrhythmias.
