Targeting Heart Failure Therapeutics: A Historical Perspective

This article reviews information on the role of genetic variability in the development, progression, and treatment of heart failure. It focuses primarily on genetic variation in neurohormonal systems, where adrenergic receptors and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are the two most explored areas. The article also reviews the endothelin system and natriuretic peptides. Clinical trial design issues are examined, and suggestions for pharmacogenomic clinical trials are presented. Finally, lessons from the oncology field and the changing regulatory landscape are discussed.