Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Responds to Advisory Committee Recommendation for Further Study of Tedisamil to Treat Atrial Fi...( MARIETTA Ga. Dec. 12 /- Solvay Ph...),Health

MARIETTA, Ga., Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced today that the company will continue to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fully address the questions raised by members of the Cardio-Renal Advisory Committee in its meeting to consider tedisamil as a treatment for rapid conversion of recent onset atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm (NSR).

The Committee voted against approval of tedisamil, at this time, requesting that Solvay Pharmaceuticals provides additional information to the Agency. While not binding, the Committee's recommendations will be considered by the FDA in its review of the New Drug Application (NDA) for tedisamil.

"Although we are disappointed with today's vote, we remain committed to working with the FDA to determine appropriate next steps in the review of this drug application," said Laurence Downey, M.D., President and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The New Drug Application (NDA) for tedisamil was filed with the FDA in December 2006. Following Solvay Pharmaceuticals' submission of additional clinical data amending the NDA for tedisamil, FDA extended the typical 10- month review period. Under this revised timeline, Solvay Pharmaceuticals anticipates action from the FDA on or before January 19, 2008.

About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is an abnormal heart rhythm, known as a cardiac arrhythmia, affecting the upper chambers of the heart (atria). In this condition, the electrical signals in the atria that are responsible for directing the activity of the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles) become unsynchronized, and the ventricles continue pumping, usually irregularly and rapidly. This fast, uncoordinated rhythm prevents the heart from efficiently pumping blood out to the body. Some heart conditions associated with AFib include hypertension, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.

AFib -- the most common clin
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