Development of a highly cardioselective ultra short-acting beta-blocker, ONO-1101.

A novel, highly cardioselective ultra short-acting beta-blocker, ONO-1101, has been developed for application in the emergency treatment of tachycardia and better control of heart rate in surgery. This agent is approximately nine times more potent in beta-blocking activity in vivo and eight times more cardioselective in vitro than esmolol. This beta-blocking drug has a short duration of activity, enabling rapid recovery after cessation of administration if side effects occur. It can be used safely in patients suffering from acute heart disease and represents a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of heart disease.