Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common arrhythmia, characterized by an irregular, often rapid heartbeat. The condition is associated with symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, dyspnea, and chest pain.

During AFib, the two upper chambers of the heart (the atria) beat chaotically and out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.

AFib with rapid ventricular rate (RVR) often requires treatment in an emergency room setting with drugs to control the heart rhythm (e.g., beta blockers or calcium channel blockers) or anti-arrhythmic medication (e.g., flecainide or amiodarone).

An estimated 10 million people are living with AFib in China. However, because AFib can be asymptomatic, many are diagnosed only after a serious cardiovascular event occurs. AFib can lead to blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications and poses significant impact to patient’s quality of life as well as China’s healthcare system.

Our partner, Milestone Pharmaceuticals, initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial in early 2021 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of etripamil nasal spray in patients with AFib. Based on this study, JIXING is currently evaluating a development & commercialization plan for China.

Reference:

  • Du X, Guo L, Xia S, et al. Atrial fibrillation prevalence, awareness, and management in a nationwide survey of adults in China. Heart (2021); 28;107(7):535–41.

  • Chinese Medical Association, et al. Guidelines for the Primary Diagnosis and Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (Practical Edition, 2019). Chinese Journal of General Practitioners (2020); 19(6):474-481. (心房颤动基层诊疗指南)

  • Annual report on cardiovascular health and diseases in China 2019. Journal of Cardiovascular and Vascular Diseases (2020); 39(10):1157-1162. (中国心血管健康与疾病报告2019)

  • Wang Z , Chen Z , Xin W , et al. The Disease Burden of Atrial Fibrillation in China from a National Cross-sectional Survey. The American Journal of Cardiolog (2018); 122:793-798.

  • LI, Ying, et al. Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in China and Its Risk Factors. Biomedical and Environmental Sciences (2013); 26(9):709–716.