Study of the Survival of Recombinant Human Neuregulin-1β in Chronic Heart Failure (CHF) Patients

A Phase III, Multi-center,Randomized, Double-blind, Based on Standard Therapy, Placebo-controlled Study of the Survival of Recombinant Human Neuregulin-1β in Patients With Chronic Systolic Heart Failure

The purpose of this study is to evaluate efficacy of rhNRG-1 in reducing the death rate of heart failure.

The mortality of chronic heart failure patients remains high, in spite of current treatment. RhNRG-1(recombinant human neuregulin-1)directly work on the cardiomyocyte and restored the normal structure and function of it. Both the preclinical trial and phase II clinical trail have confirmed that rhNRG-1 effectively enhance the heart function, reverse the remodeling of left ventricular, and reduce all-cause mortality in heart failure animals and humans. In this phase III study, the investigators will further confirm the efficacy of rhNRG-1 in reducing the death rate of heart failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age between 18 and 75, both sex.
2. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)≤40% (ECHO).
3. NYNA functional class II OR III.
4. Diagnosed as chronic systolic heart failure (history, symptoms, signs), no in-hospital history in the last one month.
5. Receiving standard therapy for chronic heart failure, reach target dose or max tolerable dose for one month, or has not changed the dose for the last one month.
6. Capable of signing the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. new chronic heart failure patients, or patients receiving standard therapy on chronic heart failure for less than 3 months.
2. NYNA functional class I OR IV.
3. Patients with acute MI, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, constrictive pericarditis, significant valvular pathological change or congenital heart diseases, primary or secondary severe pulmonary artery hypertension.
4. Ischemic heart failure without recanalization or with recanalization in recent six months.
5. acute MI in the last 3 months.
6. unstable angina.
7. Patients with acute pulmonary edema or acute hemodynamic disorder.
8. Chronic heart failure patients with acute hemodynamic disorder or acute decompensation in the last 1 month.
9. Patients with right heart failure caused by pulmonary disease.
10. Patients diagnosed with pericardial effusion or pleural effusion, or evidenced by B-type ultrasonic (>50ml).
11. Cardiac surgery or cerebrovascular accident within recent six months.
12. Preparing for heart transplantation or CRT, or has received CRT.
13. Serious ventricular arrhythmia (multi-morphological premature ventricular contraction more than 5 times/min, frequent paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia or triple rate).
14. Serious hepatic or renal dysfunction (Cr>2.0mg/dl, AST or ALT 5 times above the normal upper limit).
15. Serum potassium <3.2 mmol/L or >5.5 mmol/L.
16. Systolic blood pressure <90mmHg or >160mmHg.
17. Pregnant or plan to pregnant.
18. Patients who participated in any clinical trial in the recent three months.
19. Subject with a life expectancy less than 6 months as assessed by the investigator.
20. Serious nervous system diseases (Alzheimer's disease, advanced Parkinsonism),lower limb defects, or deaf-mute.
21. History of any malignancy or suffering from cancer,or biopsy proven pre-malignant condition (eg DICS or cervical atypia).
22. Evidence (physical examination,CXR,ECHO or other tests) shows some active malignancy or adenoidal hypertrophy or neoplasm has effect on heart function or endocrine system, eg pheochromocytoma or hyperthyroidism.
23. Judging by the investigator, the patients could not complete the study or adhere to the study requirements (due to the management reasons or others).