Pharmaceuticals

Bayer Initiates Phase I Study with GIRK4 Inhibitor for Treatment of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

United States of America

  • BAY 3670549 is an investigational highly selective G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor with potential to help control the electrical activity of cardiomyocytes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib)

  • With GIRK4 inhibitor Bayer explores an opportunity to address the high medical need for developing a fast-acting and well tolerated treatment option, which could offer high value for patients and physicians

  • This approach for rapid cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm aims to enable immediate treatment without the need for anesthesia/sedation and external defibrillation, thus reducing the patients’ time spent in hospital

  • Derived from the strategic research alliance with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, BAY 3670549 is further strengthening Bayer’s cardiovascular development portfolio

WHIPPANY, NJ – May 22, 2025 – Bayer announced today the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial with BAY 3670549, an investigational highly selective G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor, which has the potential to help control the electrical activity of heart cells in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

 

This investigative approach for rapid cardioversion to normal sinus rhythm is aiming to enable immediate treatment without the need for anesthesia/sedation and electrical shock and to significantly reduce the patients’ time spent in hospital. The first-in-human dose escalation study in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, group-comparison design will investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of BAY 3670549 in healthy participants. 


AFib is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), affecting more than 60 million people worldwide, and a significant risk factor for stroke and heart failure. 

 

The current standard-of-care to treat acute AFib is electric cardioversion, a procedure done while the patient is sedated or under anesthesia that safely delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore it to sinus rhythm. Anti-arrhythmic drugs (AADs), which work by influencing the heart's electrical activity to restore a normal heart rhythm or prevent episodes of arrhythmia, are commonly used for the management of symptomatic AFib.  

 

Investigational GIRK4 inhibitor (BAY 3670549) is derived from Bayer’s strategic research alliance with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA, USA.



About GIRK4 inhibitor (BAY 3670549)
BAY 3670549 is an investigational highly selective G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel 4 (GIRK4) inhibitor with potential to help control the electrical activity of heart cells in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

 

GIRK4 channels are specialized proteins that regulate the electrical activity of heart cells by facilitating the flow of potassium ions (K+) in response to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). This mechanism is particularly crucial during the later phases of the heart’s electrical signaling, specifically during so-called atrial effective refractory period (AERP). Increased activity of these channels shortens the AERP in the atria (the upper chambers of the heart), thereby reducing the recovery time after each heartbeat. This alteration in recovery time can contribute to the onset and persistence of AFib.

 

About Atrial fibrillation
AFib is one of the most common sustained cardiac rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). It results from rapid, disorganized electrical signals in the upper chambers (atria) of the heart, causing them to quiver and contract quickly and irregularly. As a result, the atria do not empty completely, and blood does not flow properly, causing blood clots to form. These blood clots can break loose and travel to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

 

The prevalence of AFib continues to increase globally. Projection studies show that the number of people with AFib will rise to 15.9 million in 2050 in America and 17.9 million in 2060 in Europe. People with AFib are 5 times more likely to suffer a stroke than people without AFib.  AFib-related strokes are also associated with a 50% likelihood of death within one year.

 

About Bayer’s Commitment in Cardiovascular Diseases
Bayer is a leader in cardiology and is advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments in cardiovascular (CV) diseases of high unmet medical need. The strategy is to unlock the strong potential of the future CV market by transforming Bayer’s portfolio into precision cardiology, addressing the high CV disease burden, and driving the long-term growth. Bayer’s portfolio already includes several innovative products and compounds in various stages of preclinical and clinical development.

 

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. In line with its mission, “Health for all, Hunger for none,” the company’s products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2024, the Group employed around 93,000 people and had sales of 46.6 billion euros. R&D expenses amounted to 6.2 billion euros. 


Bayer Media Contact:
Elaine Colon
Phone +1 732-236-1587
Email: elaine.colon@bayer.com

 

Forward-Looking Statements 
This release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

 

Reference

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Linz, Dominik et al., The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 37, 100786
2.  American Heart Association, Why Atrial Fibrillation Matters | American Heart Association
3.  Kornej J, Benjamin EJ, Magnani JW, Atrial fibrillation: global burdens and global opportunities, Heart 2021;107:516-518.
4.  Journal Article, Zimetbaum, Peter, Antiarrhythmic Drug Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation 2012, Circulation 381-389, 125, N 2 doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.019927, https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.111.019927
5.  Atrial fibrillation: epidemiology, screening and digital health, Linz, Dominik et al., The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 37, 100786
6. Singleton MJ, Imtiaz‐Ahmad M, Kamel H, O'Neal WT, Judd SE, Howard VJ, Howard G, Soliman EZ, Bhave PD. Association of atrial fibrillation without cardiovascular comorbidities and stroke risk: from the REGARDS study. Journal of the American Heart Association. 2020 Jun 16;9(12):e016380.
7. Alberts M, Chen YW, Lin JH, Kogan E, Twyman K, Milentijevic D. Risks of Stroke and Mortality in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Treated With Rivaroxaban and Warfarin. Stroke. 2020 Feb;51(2):549-555. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.119.025554. Epub 2019 Dec 31. PMID: 31888412; PMCID: PMC7004448.