Blockers of the Kv1.5 channel for the treatment of atrial arrhythmias

Atrial arrhythmias are a common problem in cardiological practice. Despite the availability of several antiarrhythmic drugs there is a medical need for safer and more efficient treatments. The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.5 is regarded as a promising target for the development of new atrial selective drugs with fewer side effects. This review summarises patents claiming such compounds.-The chemistry and biological data disclosed in these patents are discussed in light of recent work demonstrating the antiarrhythmic effects of Kv1.5 blockers in vivo.