Public statement on infliximab (Remicade) on the increased incidence of mortality and hospitalisation for worsening congestive heart failure
News
The EMEA's scientific committee CPMP has been made aware of preliminary findings from a study in congestive heart failure patients (CHF), showing higher incidences of mortality and hospitalisations for worsening heart failure in patients treated with infliximab (Remicade).
Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the biological activity of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF?). Remicade was authorised in the European Union in August 1999. It is indicated for the treatment of severe, active Crohn's disease or of fistulising Crohn's disease, as well as the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis.
Remicade is not indicated for the treatment of CHF. In a study designed to evaluate Remicade in CHF, 150 patients with moderate to severe (NYHA class III-IV) CHF were treated with 3 infusions of Remicade 5 mg/ kg, 10 mg/ kg, or placebo over 6 weeks. Higher incidences of mortality and hospitalisation for worsening heart failure were seen in those patients treated with Remicade, especially those treated with the higher dose of 10 mg/ kg. At present 7 of 101 patients treated with Remicade have died compared to no deaths among the 49 patients on placebo.
To date, there are insufficient data regarding the pathological mechanism behind these findings and regarding any dose relationship. Additional information has been requested and the evaluation is currently ongoing.
In view of the seriousness of the preliminary findings, and pending additional data, the EMEA draws attention to the following precautionary measures.
For physicians considering therapy of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease with Remicade:
- Do not initiate therapy in patients with congestive heart failure.