News in brief from the world of cardiology
Sitagliptin licence in renal disease
Sitagliptin (Januvia®, MSD) has received a licence in the UK for use in people with type 2 diabetes with moderate to severe renal impairment.
The licence follows data from two clinical studies. In one study comparing sitagliptin (25 mg or 50 mg once daily) with glipizide (2.5 to 20 mg once daily) in patients with type 2 diabetes and moderate to severe renal impairment, the incidence of hypoglycaemia was lower in the sitagliptin group (6.2%) compared to the glipazide group (17.0%). In another study, however, in patients with type 2 diabetes and end stage renal disease on dialysis, results showed no significant difference between patients treated with sitagliptin or glipizide.
First BHF Fellow of the Year
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has named Dr Nicola Smart the first BHF Fellow of the Year. Working with Dr Paul Riley firstly at the University College London, and now with him at the University of Oxford, Dr Smart’s research has made great strides into identifying how cardiomyocytes are regenerated and integrated with heart muscle after injury, leading the way towards future resident-cell-based therapy in ischaemic heart disease.
New editorial board member
We are pleased, to welcome to our editorial board Chris Arden, a Southampton GP with a special interest in Cardiology.
“The last few years have seen exciting developments in both community and hospital based cardiovascular care,” he said. “While there are many challenges ahead, in both the organisation and delivery of care, there will be, no doubt, many opportunities to ensure good practice is recognised and shared, with the objective of improving patient experience and outcomes. The BJC will continue to play an important role in informing this process and supporting those with an interest in improving cardiovascular care.”
