Losmapimod Hits a Dead End for MI Treatment

Inflammation continues to command keen interest as a potential target for cardiovascular risk reduction. Findings from a phase 2 trial suggested that losmapimod, a selective inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-stimulated inflammation, might improve outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI). To investigate further, researchers conducted an industry-sponsored, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, multinational trial of losmapimod in some 3500 adults (median age, 66) hospitalized with acute MI who had at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor.

Although losmapimod significantly reduced levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide at 4 weeks, the …