INITIAL CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH ICI 141,292 (VISACOR), A NEW SELECTIVE BETA-1-ADRENOCEPTOR BLOCKER WITH ISA - A MULTICENTER TRIAL IN 59 PATIENTS

The objective of this placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter (6 centers) trial was to investigate the safety and efficacy of ICI 141,292, a new selective .beta.1-adrenoceptor antagonist with modest intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA), in hypertensive patients. Fifty-nine patients with mild essential hypertension were randomized to 2 of 5 treatment alternatives (placebo, 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg or 300 mg of ICI 141,292) each given once daily for 2 wk with a 4 wk placebo period before (run-in) and in between (wash-out) active periods. Each of the 5 treatments was evaluated in 20-24 patients. After 2 wk (24 h after last dose) the reduction in recumbent blood pressure for all doses except 50 mg of ICI 141,292 was statistically significant and in the order of 6/4 mm Hg. Standing systolic blood pressure was reduced in a dose-dependent way but only significant for 200 mg of ICI 141,292 (8 mm Hg). Heart rate changes (.DELTA.) (< 4 beats/min) were not statistically significant for any dose. ICI 141,292 was evidently well tolerated and had a significant but weak antihypertensive effect which might be explained by too much .beta.1-adrenoceptor ISA.