“An experimental drug being developed by Sanofi significantly curbed progression of aortic valve stenosis, a common heart problem, in clinical trials, potentially preventing the need for surgery, researchers reported.

Aortic valve stenosis, a narrowing due to calcium deposits that forces the heart to work harder to move blood to the body, currently can only be monitored until the condition becomes severe enough to warrant valve replacement surgery.

The drug ataciguat has been tested in early and mid-stage trials of patients with moderate aortic valve stenosis.

The most recent 23-patient trial showed a nearly 70% reduction in aortic valve calcification progression at six months compared to placebo.”

From Reuters.