Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Topic of Plenary, Oral Sessions
SEATTLE, November 2, 1999- Researchers continue to explore an emerging approach in the study of heart failure, a disease that affects nearly five million Americans and contributes to more than 260,000 deaths each year. New research on the effect of inhibiting the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF) will be presented at the 72nd Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) from November 7-11 in Atlanta.
"Inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines that may contribute to the progression of heart failure represents a unique and exciting approach for research in heart failure," said Douglas Mann, MD, professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and a pioneer in this area of study. "Our initial studies with ENBRELÖ -- a soluble TNF receptor -- suggested that inhibiting TNF could improve the signs and symptoms of heart failure in patients with moderate heart failure, as well as improve some aspects of cardiac function in these patients."
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TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. MANN, PLEASE CALL PAM RABE OF IMMUNEX AT 206-470-4131 OR GINGER HALL OF MCS, INC., AT 800-477-9626.
During the Scientific Sessions, three presentations will feature the role of TNF in chronic heart failure (CHF). Two of the oral sessions will present new data on the use of ENBREL (Etanercept) in CHF. The role of TNF also will be featured at Plenary Session VI on Tuesday morning. Following are details of the sessions.
Suppression of Cardioinflammatory Cytokines by ENBREL (Etanercept, p75 TNF Receptor Fusion Protein) Correlates with Clinical Improvement in Heart Failure Patients - Abstract # 107774
Sunday, November 7, 4:00 pm
Location: Room 365/367W
Presenter: Biykem Bozkurt, MD, Baylor College of Medicine
Plenary Session VII: Research in Heart Failure: Implications for Future Treatment
Presentation: Inflammatory Cytokines, Heart Failure, and Treatment
Tuesday, November 9, 10:55 am
Location: Ballroom
Presenter: Douglas L. Mann, MD, Baylor College of Medicine
Regression of Left Ventricular Remodeling in Chronic Heart Failure after Treatment with ENBREL (Etanercept, p75 TNF Receptor Fc Fusion Protein) - Abstract # 108069
Wednesday, November 10, 8:30 am
Location: Room 365/367W
Presenter: Biykem Bozkurt, MD, Baylor College of Medicine
Chronic heart failure occurs when the heart is damaged from heart attack, high blood pressure, or physical defect. While the heart continues to pump, it does so inefficiently, resulting in fluid retention and shortness of breath. Chronic heart failure often is a progressive disease and becomes irreversible, making heart transplant surgery the last alternative for keeping a patient alive. New treatments such as ENBREL are exploring ways to halt, or even reverse, the progression of heart failure.