LIFE Trial: sacubitril/valsartan combination not effective to treat HF

The LIFE trial highlights that combination sacubitril/valsartan did not reduce N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) or clinical outcomes among patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and comorbidities. Heart failure can develop suddenly or over time causing cardiac death which is a leading cause of death globally. Several medications are being evaluated to manage heart failure.

The trial aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan compared with valsartan in patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. 167 patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either sacubitril/valsartan starting dose 24/26 mg or 49/51 mg twice a day, to 97/103 mg increased twice a day if tolerated after 4 weeks, or valsartan starting dose 40 or 80 mg twice a day.

Drugs didn't improve mortality and cardiovascular events, days alive outside hospital was 103.2 vs. 111.2 days, published in American College of Cardiology the results of this trial indicate that the combination sacubitril/valsartan did not reduce NT-proBNP or clinical outcomes among patients with advanced heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and comorbidities.