What is "vernakalant"

n. A drug under investigation for the acute conversion of atrial fibrillation.

Vernakalant ( INN; codenamed RSD1235, proposed tradenames Kynapid and Brinavess) is an investigational drug under regulatory review for the acute conversion of atrial fibrillation. It was initially developed by Cardiome Pharma, and the intravenous formulation was bought for further development by Merck in April 2009. In September 2012, Merck terminated its agreements with Cardiome and has consequently returned all rights of the drug back to Cardiome.

On 11 December 2007, the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted to recommend the approval of vernakalant, but in August 2008 the FDA judged that additional information was necessary for approval. The drug (under brand name Brinavess) was approved in Europe on 1 September 2010.

An oral formulation underwent Phase II clinical trials between 2005 and 2008.