	On Jan. 16, 2020, Arena Pharmaceuticals announced FDA granted fast track designation for APD418, its β3-adrenergic receptor (AdrR) antagonist and cardiac myotrope for the treatment of decompensated heart failure (DHF).

	Discovered and developed internally by Arena, APD418 is formulated to improve cardiac contractility with a reduced effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption while potentially avoiding adverse events associated with current inotrope therapies, according to an Arena press release.

	“With approximately 10 million DHF patient hospital visits expected in the [United States] by 2025 and few viable treatment options, we believe that APD418 has the potential to make a significant impact for these patients," said Chris Cabell, MD, Arena's senior vice-president and chief medical officer, in the press release. "We are pleased with the [f]ast [t]rack designation and look forward to advancing this program as part of our cardiovascular focus."

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The drug is formulated to improve cardiac contractility with a reduced effect on heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen consumption while potentially avoiding adverse events associated with current inotrope therapies.