Developments Made on Heart Attack Drug

Scientists in Australia are currently working to develop a drug to help prevent heart attacks with little to no side effects. The Monash University is the main researcher for this drug. The doctors are using a combination of molecular pharmacology and medicinal chemistry to make advancements regarding the protein of G protein-coupled receptors.

As two molecules are combined, greater advancements have been made. This new drug targets more specific areas and has very minimal side effects.

This new drug targets the problem areas, or GPCRs and works as a dimmer of a light switch to tone down the receptors so that when the blood comes back to the heart, it does not overwhelm it at first.

The drug is continuing to be tested in animals. The results have been very positive, and it seems as if this could prove to be a really helpful solution to one of the leading causes of death in the United States.

As long as the researchers can continue to further activate the protein correctly, it can help to protect the heart cells and decrease the heart attack. The next part of the research is to fully develop the drug so that it can be used by emergency paramedics and clinicians.

Themes of NOS:
  -Science is Based on Evidence
  -Science is Collaborative
  -Role of Credibility
  -Importance of Repeatability

Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2014/03/11/scientists_unlock_potential_heart_attack_drug_without_side_effects.html