Singapore: Gilead Sciences has successfully progressed phase IV Terisa (Type 2 Diabetes Evaluation of Ranolazine in subjects with chronic stable angina) study demonstrating that the addition of ranolazine to background antianginal therapy in chronic angina patients with type 2 diabetes significantly reduced the frequency of weekly angina episodes compared to placebo and background antianginal therapy.

Ranexa (ranolazine) is indicated for the treatment of chronic angina. Ranexa is not indicated for the treatment of diabetes and should not be considered a treatment for diabetes.

Chronic angina, the most common symptom of coronary artery disease, can be a debilitating heart condition. Angina typically manifests as recurrent pain or tightness in the chest upon exertion or emotional stress. Patients with diabetes have more extensive coronary artery disease and a propensity for greater angina burden compared to patients without diabetes.

"Given the high prevalence of angina in patients with diabetes, there is a need for effective therapeutic strategies in this difficult-to-treat population," said Mr Mikhail Kosiborod, associate professor of medicine at the University of Missouri, US; cardiologist at St Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and lead author of the study.

"Although the safety and efficacy profile of ranolazine is well established, this is the first study to prospectively evaluate the antianginal effectiveness of ranolazine in patients with chronic angina and concurrent type 2 diabetes," he added.