Major gap in atrial fibrillation market, analyst says

A widespread need for safer antiarrhythmic drugs to maintain sinus rhythm will continue to plague the atrial fibrillation market, notes a new report from GlobalData.

The research and consulting firm’s report finds that, despite the restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm being a common practice in the management of atrial fibrillation, the available antiarrhythmic drugs are of modest efficacy and have unfavorable safety profiles.

Amiodarone is cited as an example of a widely used generic antiarrhythmic drug which despite being considered an effective agent available for heart rhythm control, has a number of side effects including proarrhythmia, and thyroid, liver, skin and pulmonary complications.