CVie-216

CVie-216 is a preclinical small molecule drug candidate designed to selectively activate SERCA2a (sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2a), an enzyme critical for calcium handling in cardiac muscle cells. By enhancing SERCA2a activity, CVie-216 aims to improve cardiac contractility and relaxation (inotropic and lusitropic effects) without increasing the risk of arrhythmias—a significant limitation of current heart failure therapies. Preclinical studies have shown that CVie-216 reduces ventricular arrhythmias in animal models with induced coronary injury and diabetes. The compound is being developed for potential use in both acute and chronic heart failure, with possible administration as an intravenous or oral agent. It is structurally related to istaroxime but acts as a pure SERCA2a activator rather than also inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase[1][2][4][7].