GlaxoSmithKline begins phase 3 trial for coronary heart disease treatment

LONDON GlaxoSmithKline has started its first phase 3 clinical trial to determine the efficacy of the investigational Lp-PLA2 inhibitor darapladib, for adults with chronic coronary heart disease, GSK announced Thursday.

The Stabilization of Atherosclerotic Plaque By Initiation of Darapladib Therapy, or STABILITY study, will include more than 15,000 patients from 39 studies.

“Despite major advances in medical treatment, coronary heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and new approaches are needed to help reduce this burden to patients and society,” GlaxoSmithKline senior vice president for drug discovery Patrick Vallance said in a statement. “GSJ is initiating the large STABILITY trial with darapladib as part of a phase 3 program to determine if this novel medication could improve people?s lives by reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.”