Pharmacological Agents in the Clinic: Trial and Error

Following an explosion of molecular and cellular research in the last 50 years, the study of specific molecular targets in the context of heart failure has generated much excitement. With the incidence of heart failure rising worldwide, new pharmacological agents are eagerly anticipated as a key tool with the potential for significant impact. In this regard, the results of the keenly awaited Does Cyclosporine Improve Clinical Outcome in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients (CIRCUS) trial have just been made available. Despite a substantial programme of supporting experimental and preclinical evidence however, the results have proved negative. This is of great disappointment to the clinical and scientific community. Here, this is discussed in the context of previous studies and future directions explored.