AU2238800A - Combination of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, side-effect-reduced amount of aldosterone antagonist and diuretic - Google Patents

Description

I L

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 REGULATION 3.2 Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor/s: Address for Service: G. D. SEARLE CO.

TODD E. MACLAUGHLAN and ALFONSO T.

PEREZ.

E.F. WELLINGTON CO., Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, 312 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Southbank, Victoria, 3006.

Invention Title: COMBINATION OF ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR, SIDE- EFFECT-REDUCED AMOUNT OF ALDOSTERONE ANTAGONIST AND DIURETIC a ooo.

••go Details of Associated Provisional Applications Nos: The following statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us.

1A COMBINATION THERAPY OF ANGIOTENSIN CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITOR, SIDE-EFFECT-REDUCED AMOUNT OF ALDOSTERONE ANTAGONIST AND DIURETIC FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE Field of the Invention Combinations of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, an aldosterone receptor antagonist and a diuretic are described for use in treatment of circulatory disorders, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Of particular interest are therapies using a spirolactone-type aldosterone receptor antagonist compound in combination with an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor with a diuretic, using a side-effect-reduced amount of the aldosterone receptor antagonist.

S: 20 Background of the Invention Myocardial (or cardiac) failure, that is, heart failure whether a consequence of previous myocardial infarction(s), heart disease associated with hypertension, or primary cardiomyopathy, is a major health problem of worldwide proportions. The incidence of symptomatic heart failure has risen steadily over the past several decades.

30 In clinical terms, decompensated cardiac failure consists of a constellation of signs and symptoms that arise from congested organs and hypoperfused tissues to form congestive heart failure (CHF) syndrome. Congestion is caused largely by increased venous pressure and by inadequate sodium excretion, relative to dietary Na* intake, and is importantly related to circulating levels of aldosterone (ALDO). An abnormal retention of Na' occurs via tubular epithelial cells throughout the nephron, including the later portion of the distal tubule and cortical collecting ducts, where ALDO receptor sites are present.

ALDO is the body's most potent mineralocorticoid hormone. As connoted by the term mineralocorticoid, this steroid hormone has mineral-regulating activity. It promotes Na* reabsorption not only in the kidney, but also from the lower gastrointestinal tract and salivary and sweat glands, each of which represents classic ALDOresponsive tissues. ALDO regulates Na' and water resorption at the expense of potassium (KI) and magnesium (Mg 2 excretion.

ALDO can also provoke responses in non-epithelial cells. Elicited by a chronic elevation in plasma ALDO level that is inappropriate relative to dietary Na intake, these responses can have adverse consequences on 20 the structure of the cardiovascular system. Hence, ALDO :can contribute to the progressive nature of myocardial failure for multiple reasons.

Multiple factors regulate ALDO synthesis and metabolism, many of which are operative in the patient with myocardial failure. These include renin as well as nonrenin-dependent factors '(such as ACTH) that promote ALDO synthesis. Hepatic blood flow, by regulating the clearance of circulating ALDO, helps determine ALDO plasma S. 30 concentration, an important factor in heart failure characterized by reduction in cardiac output and hepatic blood flow.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system ("RAAS") is one of the hormonal mechanisms involved in regulating pressure/volume homeostasis and also in the development of hypertension, a precursor conditon implicated in the progression of more serious cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure. Activation of the reninangiotensin-aldosterone system begins with secretion of the enzyme renin from the juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney.

The enzyme renin acts on a naturally-occurring substrate, angiotensinogen, to release a decapeptide, Angiotensin I.

This decapeptide is cleaved by angiotensin converting enzyme to provide an octapeptide, Angiotensin II, the primary active species of this system. This octapeptide, angiotensin II, is a potent vasoconstrictor and also produces other physiological effects such as stimulating aldosterone secretion, promoting sodium and fluid retention, inhibiting renin secretion, increasing sympathetic nervous system activity, stimulating vasopressin secretion, causing positive cardiac inotropic effect and modulating other hormonal systems.

Emphasis has been placed on minimizing hyperaldosteronism as a basis for optimizing patient 20 treatment. This includes the importance of ALDO-receptor antagonism both in patients treated with conventional diuretic programs and in patients treated with angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, who are often constrained to small doses of ACE inhibitor because of orthostatic hypotension. Such patients may demonstrate a recurrence of heart failure symptoms likely related to elevations in plasma ALDO levels.

Many aldosterone receptor blocking drugs and 30 their effects in humans are known. For example, spironolactone is a drug which acts at the mineralocorticoid receptor level by competitively inhibiting aldosterone binding. This steroidal compound has been used for blocking aldosterone-dependent sodium transport in the distal tubule of the kidney in order to reduce edema and to treat essential hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism Mantero et al, Clin. Sci.

Mol. Med., 45 (Suppl 219s-224s (1973)]. Spironolactone is also used commonly in the treatment of other hyperaldosterone-related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and congestive heart failure Saunders et al, Aldactone; SDironolactone: A Comprehensive Review, Searle, New York (1978)]. Progressively-increasing doses of spironolactone from 1 mg to 400 mg per day 1 mg/day, mg/day, 20 mg/day] was administered to a spironolactoneintolerant patient to treat cirrhosis-related ascites [P.A.

Greenberger et al, N. Eng. Rea. Allerv Proc., 343- 345 (Jul-Aug, 1986)]. It has been recognized that development of myocardial fibrosis is sensitive to circulating levels of both Angiotensin II and aldosterone, and that the aldosterone antagonist spironolactone prevents myocardial fibrosis in animal models, thereby linking aldosterone to excessive collagen deposition Klug et al, Am. J. Cardiol., 71(3), 46A-54A (1993)].

Spironolactone has been shown to prevent fibrosis in animal models irrespective of the development of left ventricular 20 hypertrophy and the presence of hypertension Brilla et al, J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol., 563-575 (1993)].

Spironolactone at a dosage ranging from 25 mg to 100 mg daily is used to treat diuretic-induced hypokalemia, when orally-administered potassium supplements or other potassium-sparing regimens are considered inappropriate [Physicians' Desk Reference, 46th Edn., p. 2153, Medical Economics Company Inc., Montvale, N.J. (1992)].

Previous studies have shown that inhibiting ACE 30 inhibits the renin-angiotensin system by substantially complete blockade of the formation of Angiotensin II. Many ACE inhibitors have been used clinically to control hypertension. While ACE inhibitors may effectively control hypertension, side effects are common including chronic cough, skin rash, loss of taste sense, proteinuria and neutropenia.

Moreover, although ACE inhibitors effectively block the formation of Angiotensin II, aldosterone levels are not well controlled in certain patients having cardiovascular diseases. For example, despite continued ACE inhibition in hypertensive patients receiving captopril, there has been observed a gradual return of plasma aldosterone to baseline levels Staessen et al, J. Endocrinol., 91, 457-465 (1981)]. A similar effect has been observed for patients with myocardial infarction receiving zofenopril Borghi et al, J. Clin. Pharmacol., 33, 40-45 (1993)]. This phenomenon has been termed "aldosterone escape". In a side-by-side treatment of two cohorts of rats, one cohort treated with spironolactone sub-cutaneously and the other cohort treated with captopril, spironolactone.was found to prevent fibrosis in the hypertensive-rat cohort Brilla et al, J. Mol.

Cell. Cardiol., 25, 563-575 (1993)].

Combinations of an aldosterone antagonist and an 20 ACE inhibitor have been investigated for treatment of heart failure. It is known that mortality is higher in patients with elevated levels of plasma aldosterone and that aldosterone levels increase as CHF progresses from RAAS activation. Routine use of a diuretic may further elevate aldosterone levels. ACE inhibitors consistently inhibit angiotensin II production but exert only a mild and transient antialdosterone effect.

Combining an ACE inhibitor and spironolactone has been 30 suggested to provide substantial inhibition of the entire RAAS. For example, a combination of enalapril and a 25 mg daily dose of spironolactone has been administered to ambulatory patients with monitoring of blood pressure [P.

Poncelet et al, Am. J. Cardiol., 33K-35K (1990)].

In a 90-patient study, a combination of spironolactone in a range from 50 mg/day to 100 mg/day (average 73 mg/day) and captopril was administered and found effective to control refractory CHF without serious incidents of hyperkalemia Dahlstrom et al, Am. J. Cardiol., 71, 29A-33A (21 Jan 1993)]. Spironolactone dosage at 100 mg/day coadministered with an ACE inhibitor was reported to be highly effective in 13 of 16 patients afflicted with congestive heart failure, with a 25 mg/day to 50 mg/day spironolactone maintenance dosage given at trial completion to compensated patients being treated with an ACE inhibitor and loop diuretic van Vliet et al, Am. J. Cardiol., 71, 21A- 28A (21 Jan 1993)]. Clinical improvements have been reported for patients receiving a co-therapy of spironolactone and the ACE inhibitor enalapril, although this report mentions that controlled trials are needed to determine the lowest effective doses and to identify which patients would benefit most from combined therapy [F.

Zannad, Am. J. Cardiol., 71(3), 34A-39A (1993)].

Summary of Drawing Figures Fia. 1 shows urinary aldosterone levels at different rates of spironolactone administration (12.5 mg,25 mg,50mg,75mg), as compared to placebo, co-administered with stable doses of ACE inhibitor and loop diuretic.

Fiq. 2 shows plasma renin activity different rates of spironolactone administration (12.5 mg,25 mg,50mg,75mg), as compared to placebo, co-administered with stable doses of ACE inhibitor diuretic.

at and loop Fiq. 3 shows N-Terminal ANF levels at different rates of spironolactone administration (12.5 mg,25 mg,50mg,75mg), as compared to placebo, co-administered with stable doses of ACE inhibitor and loop diuretic.

Fig. 4 shows changes in supine blood pressure at different rates of spironolactone administration (12.5 mg,25 mg,50mg,75mg), as compared to placebo, co-administered with stable doses of ACE inhibitor and loop diuretic.

Fig. 5 shows changes in supine heart rate at different rates of spironolactone administration(12.5 mg,50mg,75mg), as compared to placebo, co-administered with stable doses of ACE inhibitor and loop diuretic.

Description of the Invention Treatment or prevention of circulatory disorders, including cardiovascular disorders such as heart failure, hypertension and congestive heart failure, is provided by a e0 combination therapy comprising a therapeutically-effective amount of an angiotensin converting enzyme ("ACE") 20 inhibitor along with a therapeutically-effective amount of a spirolactone-type aldosterone receptor antagonist and a diuretic. Preferably, the spirolactone-type aldosterone receptor antagonist is administered in the combination therapy at a low dose, that is, at a dose lower than has been conventionally used in clinical situations.

S*

Pot The phrase "angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor" ("ACE inhibitor") is intended to embrace an agent or compound, or a combination of two or more agents g 30 or compounds, having the ability to block, partially or completely, the rapid enzymatic conversion of the physiologically inactive decapeptide form of angiotensin ("Angiotensin to the vasoconstrictive octapeptide form of angiotensin ("Angiotensin Blocking the formation of Angiotensin II can quickly affect the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance, blood pressure and blood volume, by removing the primary actions of Angiotensin II.

Included in these primary actions of Angiotensin II are stimulation of the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and raising blood pressure by direct constriction of the smooth muscle of the arterioles.

The phrase "aldosterone receptor antagonist" embraces an agent or compound, or a combination of two or more of such agents or compounds, which agent or compound binds to the aldosterone receptor as a competitive inhibitor of the action of aldosterone itself at an aldosterone receptor site, such as typically found in the renal tubules, so as to modulate the receptor-mediated activity of aldosterone. Typical of such aldosterone receptor antagonists are spirolactone-type compounds. The term "spirolactone-type" is intended to characterize a steroidal structure comprising a lactone moiety attached to a steroid nucleus, typically at the steroid ring, through a spiro bond configuration.

SThe phrase "combination therapy" (or "co- "therapy"), in defining use of an ACE inhibitor agent, an aldosterone receptor antagonist agent and a diuretic, is intended to embrace administration of each agent in a sequential manner in a regimen that will provide beneficial effects of the drug combination, and is intended as well to embrace co-administration of these agents in a substantially simultaneous manner, such as in a single capsule having a fixed ratio of these active agents or in 30 multiple, separate capsules for each agent.

The phrase "therapeutically-effective" is intended to qualify the amount of each agent for use in the combination therapy which will achieve the goal of improvement in cardiac sufficiency by reducing or preventing, for example, the progression of congestive heart failure, while avoiding adverse side effects typically associated with each agent.

The phrase "low-dose amount", in characterizing a therapeutically-effective amount of the aldosterone receptor antagonist agent in the combination therapy, is intended to define a quantity of such agent, or a range of quantity of such agent, that is capable of improving cardiac sufficiency while reducing or avoiding one or more aldosterone-antagonist-induced side effects, such as hyperkalemia. A dosage of spironolactone which would accomplish the therapic goal of favorably enhancing cardiac sufficiency, while reducing or avoiding side effects, would be a dosage that substantially avoids inducing diuresis, that is, a substantially non-diuresis-effective dosage.

A preferred combination therapy would consist essentially of three active agents, namely, an ACE inhibitor agent, aldosterone receptor antagonist agent and a diuretic. For the ACE inhibitor and an ALDO antagonist 20 combination the agents would be used in combination in a weight ratio range from about 0.5-to-one to about twentyto-one of the angiotensin converting enzyme agent to the aldosterone receptor antagonist agent. A preferred range of these two agents (ACE inhibitor-to-ALDO antagonist) 25 would be from about one-to-one to about fifteen-to-one, while a more preferred range would be from about one-to-one I. to about five-to-one, depending ultimately on the selection of the ACE inhibitor and ALDO antagonist. The diuretic agent may be present in a ratio range of 0.1-to-one to ''30 about ten to one (ACE Inhibitor to diuretic) Examples of ACE inhibitors which may be used in the combination therapy are shown in the following four categories.

A first group of ACE inhibitors consists of the following compounds: AB-103, ancovenin, benazeprilat, BRL- 36378, BW-A575C, CGS-13928C, CL-242817, CV-5975, Equaten, EU-4865, EU-4867, EU-5476, foroxyimithine, FPL 66564, FR- 900456, Hoe-065, 15B2, indolapril, ketomethylureas, KRI- 1177, KRI-1230, L-681176, libenzapril, MCD, MDL-27088, MDL~- 27467A, moveltipril, MS-41, nicotianamine, pentopril, phenacein, pivopril, rentiapril, RG-5975, RG-6134, RG-6207, RGH-0399, ROO-911, RS-10085-197, RS-2039, RS 5139, RS 86127, RU-44403, S-8308, SA-291, spiraprilat, SQ-26900, SQ-28084, SQ-28370, SQ-28940, SQ-31440, Synecor, utibapril, WF-1012 9, Wy-44221, Wy-44655, Y-23785, Yissum P-0154, zabicipril and zofenopril.

A second group of ACE inhibitors of interest consists of the following compounds: Asahi Brewery AB-47, alatriopril, BMS 182657, Asahi Chemical C-1ll, Asahi Chemical C-112, Dainippon DU-1777, mixanpril, Prentyl, zofenoprilat and 1- (l-carboxy-6- (4-piperidinyl)hexyl) amino) -l-oxopropyl octahydro-lH-indole-2-carboxylic acid.

20 A third group of ACE inhibitors of greater interest :consists of the following compounds: Bioproject BPl.137, :Chiesi CHF 1514, Fisons FPL-66564, idrapril, Marion Merrell Dow MDL-100240, perindoprilat and Servier S-5590.

A fourth group of ACE inhibitors of highest interest consists of the following compounds: alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat and spirapril.

Many of these ACE inhibitors are' commercially available, expecially those listed in the fourth group, above. For example, a highy preferred ACE inhibitor, captopril, is sold by E.R. Squibb Sons, Inc., Princeton, now part of Bristol-Myers-Squibb, under the trademark 11 "CAPOTEN", in tablet dosage form at doses of 12.5 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg per tablet. Enalapril, or Enalapril Maleate, and Lisinopril are two more highly preferred ACE inhibitors sold by Merck Co, West Point, Pa. Enalapril is sold under the trademark "VASOTEC" in tablet dosage form at doses of mg, 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg per tablet. Lisinopril is sold under the trademark "PRINIVIL" in tablet dosage form at doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg per tablet.

A family of spirolactone-type compounds of interest is defined by Formula I wherein S or

H

2 Hz H

SCOR,

and wherein R is lower alkyl of up to 5 carbon atoms, wherein -C s Sor

H

2

H

2 Lower alkyl residues include branched and unbranched groups, preferably methyl, ethyl and n-propyl.

Specific compounds of interest within Formula I are the following: 12 7a-Acetylthio-3 -oxo-4, 15-androstadiene- [17 (1-1 ]perhydrofuran-2' -one; 3-Oxo-7a--propionylthio-4,15-androstadiene-[17 ]perhydrofuran-2' -one; 61,71-Methylene-3-oxo4,15-androstadiene-[17 Iperhydrofuran-2 '-one; 16ax-Methylene-3-oxo-4, 7c-propionylthio-4androstene [17(13-1' )-spiro-5' IIperhydrofuran-2 '-one; 613,713,15a, l6c-Dimethylene-3-oxo-4-androstene [17(13-1') -spiro-5']perhydrofuran-2'-one; 7cz-Acetylthio-153,161-Methylene-3-oxo-4-androstene- [17(13-1') -spiro-5' Iperhydrofuran-2'-one; 1513,161-Methylene-3-oxo-713-propionylthio-4-androstene- [17(13-1') -spiro-5']perhydrofuran-2'-one; and 613,713,153, 161-Dimethylene-3-oxo-4-androstene-[17(13- S. 5] perhydrofuran-2' -one.

Methods to make compounds of Formula I are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,129,564 to Wiechart et al issued on 12 December 1978.

A second family of spirolactone-type compounds of interest is defined by Formula II: 0 0 ,S R 2 wherein R' is C 13 -a ikyl or C 1 3 acyl and R 2 is H or

C-

3 -a lkyl.

a.

a a. a a a.

a. a a a .a a a a a. a.

Specific compounds of interest within Formula II are the following: la-Acetylthio-153, l6f-methylene-7a-methylthio-3 -oxo- 17a-pregn-.4-ene-21, 17-carbolactone; and 15p3, l 6 0-Methylene-lcL, 7a-dimethylthio-3 -oxo-l7a-pregn- 4-ene-2l, 17 -carbolactone.

Methods to make the compounds of Formula II are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,789,668 to Nickisch et al which issued 6 December 1988.

A third family of spirolactone-type compounds of interest is defined by a structure of Formula III: 0 SOCR 0 wherein R is lower alkyl, with preferred lower alkyl groups being methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl. Specific compounds of interest include: 33, 21-dihydroxy-l7cz-pregna-5, 15-diene-17carboxylic acid y-lactone; 33, 21-dihydroxy-17a-pregna-5, 15-diene-17carboxylic acid y-lactone 3-acetate; 10 313,21-dihydroxy-17a-pregn-5-ene-17-carboxylic :acid yf-lactone; 33, 21-dihydroxy-17a-pregn-5-ene-17-carboxylic acid 'y-lactone 3-acetate; 21-hydroxy-3 -oxo-l7cz-pregn-4-ene-17-carboxylic 15 acid y-lactone; 21-hydroxy-3-oxo-l7cz-pregna-4, 6-diene-17carboxylic acid y-lactone; 21-hydroxy-3-oxo-17tx-pregna-1, 4-diene-17carboxylic acid y-lactone; 7c-acylthio-21-hydroxy-3-oxo-17ax-pregn-4-ene-17carboxylic acid -y-lactones; and 7c-acetylthio-21-hydroxy-3 -oxo-17a-pregn-4-ene- 17-carboxylic acid y-lactone.

Methods to make the compounds of Formula III are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,257,390 to Patchett which issued 21 June 1966.

A fourth family of compounds of interest is represented by Formula IV: FT 0 0

E-I

wherein E' is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, vinylene and (lower alkanoyl)thioethylene radicals, E" is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, vinylene, (lower alkanoyl)thioethylene and (lower alkanoyl)thiopropylene radicals; R is a methyl radical except when E' and E" are ethylene and (lower alkanoyl) thioethylene radicals, respectively, in which case R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl radicals; and the selection of E' and E" is such that at 20 least one (lower alkanoyl)thio radical is present.

A preferred family of compounds within Formula IV is represented by Formula V: F 0 0 loweraly A more preferred compound of Formula V is l-acetylthio-17x- (2-carboxyethyl) -17J3-hydroxy-androst-4-en- 3-one lactone.

o a* 0* Another preferred family of compounds within Formula IV is represented by Formula VI:

T

0

CH

3

H

3

(VI)

0 SC lower alkyl More preferred compounds within Formula VI include the following: 7ax-acetylthio-17a- (2-carboxyethyl) -l7p-hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one lactone; 7J3-acetylthio-17(x- (2-carboxyethyl) -17f-hydroxy- C androst-4-en-3-one lactone; la, 7a-diacetylthio-17a- (2 -carboxyethyl) -17f3hydroxy-androsta-4, 6-dien-3-one lactone; 7a-acetylthio-7z- (2 -carboxyethyl) -17f3-hydroxyandrosta-l, 4-dien-3-one lactone; 7c-acetylthio-17ca- (2 -carboxyethyl) -171-hydroxyfee.19-norandrost-4-en-3-one lactone; and 7a-acetylthio-7t- (2 -carboxyethyl) -l7p-hydroxye:20 6ax-methylandrost-4--en-3-one lactone; In Formula IV-VI, the term "alkyl" is intended to embrace linear and branched alkyl radicals containing one to about eight carbons. The term "(lower alkanoyl)thio" 0 11 embraces radicals of the formula lower alkyl -C-S 18 Of particular interest is the compound spironolactone having the following structure and formal name: 0

'SCOCH

3 "spironolactone": 17-hydroxy-7a-mercapto-3-oxo-17a-pregn-4ene-21-carboxylic acid y-lactone acetate Methods to make compounds of Formula IV-VI are described in U.S. Patent No. 3,013,012 to Cella et al which issued 12 December 1961. Spironolactone is sold by G.D.

Searle Co., Skokie, Illinois, under the trademark "ALDACTONE", in tablet dosage form at doses of 25 mg, 50 mg 15 and 100 mg per tablet.

The diuretic agent which is used with the combination of ACE inhibitor and aldosterone receptor antagonist may be selected from several known classes, such 20 as thiazides and related sulfonamides, potassium-sparing diuretics, loop diuretics and organic mercurial diuretics.

*o Examples of thiazides are bendroflumethiazide, benzthiazide, chlorothiazide, cyclothiazide, 25 hydrochlorothiazide, hydroflumethiazide, methyclothiazide, polythiazide and trichlormethiazide.

Examples of sulfonamides related to thiazides are chlorthalidone, quinethazone and metolazone.

Examples of potassium-sparing diuretics are triameterene and amiloride.

Examples of loop diuretics, diuretics acting in the ascending limb of the loop of Henle of the kidney, are furosemide and ethynacrylic acid.

Examples of organic mercurial diuretics are mercaptomerin sodium, merethoxylline, procaine and mersalyl with theophylline.

Biological Evaluation Human Clinical Trials A triple therapy of ACE inhibitor, spironolactone and loop diuretic was evaluated in humans as described in the following clinical trials.

Patients: Two-hundred fourteen (214) patients with 20 symptomatic heart failure had an ejection fraction a history of New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification III-IV six months prior to enrollment, and current classification II-IV were randomized among five treatment groups. Patients were assigned to receive either 25 spironolactone 12.5 mg (41 patients), 25 mg (45 patients), mg (47 patients), 75 mg (41 patients), or placebo patients) once a day for 12 weeks. Two patients that were randomized failed to take the study medication and were excluded from the analysis. All patients were taking a 30 stable dose of ACE inhibitor, loop diuretic, and optional a digitalis for 30 days prior to the first dose of study medication. Potassium supplement therapy that was stable for 14 days prior to the first dose of study medication was also allowed. Informed consent was obtained from all patients, and the protocol was approved by each ethical committee. At enrollment all patients had normal serum potassium values mmol/L) and creatinine values of mg/dL or <180 mmol/L. Patients were excluded from enrollment if they: were diagnosed with either an acute life-threatening disease (included patients with automatic implantable cardioverter/ defibrillator), valvular disease, unstable angina, insulin-dependent diabetes, cancer (without a reoccurrence within the last five years), or primary hepatic failure; were on a waiting list for a heart transplant or experienced a myocardial infarction 30 days prior to the first dose of study medication; had laboratory values for hematology or biochemistry considered abnormal and clinically significant prior to the first dose of study medication; received a potassium spacing diuretic within 30 days prior to the first dose of study medication.; were receiving, on a regular basis, either non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs or aspirin >325 mg/day, steroids, dopamine agonists or antagonists, insulin or heparin; (6) were on any investigational medication within 30 days of the first dose of medication.

Study Design: This was a multinational, double-blind, randomized, parallel group study.

Laboratory Measurements: The following information was 25 obtained from each patient at baseline: 1. Concurrent medication within the past 30 days.

2. 12-lead ECG 3. Cardiac assessments that included blood pressure, pulse, sodium retention score (general assessment of a S" patient's edematous state was derived from the summation of scores obtained from Table NYHA classification, and 4. Signs and symptoms within the past 30 days.

Table I Sodium Retention Score Parameters Rales 0 Peripheral Pitting Edema Grade 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 4 Assessment Absent In lower 1/3 of lungs In lower 2/3 of lungs In all lung fields Absent Trace Limited to ankles Not limited to ankles Anasarca Weight Change Decreased Unchanged Increased Hepatomegaly 0 Absent 1 Present S3 Gallop 0 Absent 1 Present Increased Jugular 0 Absent Venous Pressure 1 Present The following laboratory values were obtained at the pretreatment visit: Hematology: Biochemistry: White blood cell count (WBC), hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet count.

Creatinine, potassium, AST, SGOT, urinary sodium/ potassium ratio, bicarbonate, calcium, chloride, creatinine, creatinine clearance, magnesium, glucose, urea, uric acid.

Plasma renin activity, pro-atrial natriuretic factor, urinary aldosterone.

Neurohormones: Blood and urine samples were centrally analyzed at SciCor Laboratories. Laboratory values for urinary aldosterone and renin levels were done at the Ohio State University Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio. Pro-atrial natriuretic factor samples were evaluated at the University of Oslo Laboratory in Oslo, Norway. Patients were evaluated 9 days after beginning study medication. Documented changes in concurrent medications, signs and symptoms and drug compliance were recorded. These procedures were repeated at Week 4 and Week 8 visits. Patient information and procedures on the final visit (Week 12) was identical to the.pre-treatment visit.

Statistical Analysis: Analysis of cardiac assessment changes in patient therapy and vital signs were performed for both the Intent-to-Treat (ITT) and evaluable patient groups. Analysis of demographic variables, adverse events and clinical laboratory values were performed in the ITT group. For each efficacy variable, results of each visit were examined separately. An appropriate trend test was used to test for overall dose-response. Pair-wise comparisons were made for each active dose to placebo.

Significant levels for pair-wise comparisons were adjusted using the Hochberg-Bonferromi method to maintain the overall Type I error rate. All statistical methods were two-sided.

Recruitment: Two-hundred and fourteen patients were S" recruited from 22 study sites in eleven countries.

e'e. 25 Patient Characteristics: Patient demographic, vital signs, and cardiac status at baseline are summarized in Table II.

TABLE II Patient Demographics Spiroriolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone p Demographic 12.5 mg/d 25 mg/d 50 mg/d 75 mg/d Placebo Value Age (years) 63 +12 61 +9 62 +13 62 +13 61 +12 N.S.

Caucasian/other M% 93/7 98/2 93/7 88/12 97/3 N.S.

Male/female M% 78/22 82/18 74/26 88/12 83/18 N.S.

vital signs Weight (kg) 74 75 73 78 73 N.S.

Blood pressure (mmHg) Systolic 121 120 121 125 121 N.S.

Diastolic 76 76 75 81 74 N. S.

Pulse (bpm) 76 74 76 74 71 N.S.

Cardiac -Status NYHA II 63 60 43 49 38 111 34 38 55 49 IV 2 2 2 2 2 N.S.

Sodium retention score value 1.54 1.62 1.64 1.61 1.78 N.S.

ACE-I (Mean dose) Captopril (mg) 57.3 57.5 69.7 59.4 65.4 N.S.

Enalapril (mg) 16.4 13.4 14.5 16.3 10.8 N.S.

Loop Diuretic (Mean dose) Furosemide (mg) 58.8 82.8 76.9 84.9 63.2 N.S.

Digoxin 78.0 77.8 76.6 80.5 77.5 N.S.

Potassium supplement 43.9 37.8 34.0 39.0 30.0 N.S.

M%

Patients ranged in age from 26 to 83 years (mean 60), 81% were male, 94% were Caucasian. At baseline 51% of the patients were NYHA Class II, 47% were Class III.

With respect to sodium retention score, a statistically significant dose response was seen at Day 9 with higher doses showing more reduction in sodium retention score (p 0.019). However, this effect was not seen at later visits (p There was an improvement in NYHA Class placebo group and in all the spironolactone groups. Although a trend toward improvement in the spironolactone group was observed, the difference was not statistically significant.

Changes in Patient Therapy: The treatment groups did not differ significantly with respect to changes in dose of ACE inhibitor, digitalis or potassium supplements at any visit (p 0.11). The treatment groups did differ significantly with respect to changes in loop diuretic therapy only at Week 8 (p 0.004) in that more patients on the higher doses of spironolactone had decreases in the loop diuretic dose compared to the placebo group. This pattern was not observed at Week 12.

Changes in Vital Signs: Changes from baseline in vital S. signs at Week 12 are summarized in Table III.

o• 0* Soo *0 *0 000 0 TABLE III Weight and Vital Signs from Baseline to Week 12 Mean change in AL Weight Supine systolic BP Supine diastolic BP Supine pulse (BPM) Spironolactone 12.5 mg/d 0.59(3.00) 1.84(11.82) -0.19( 9.13) -3.70( 9.56) Spironolactone 25 mg/d -0.16 (3.02) -4.46(13 .97) -2.74 9.57) -1.40(10.00) Spironolactone Spironolactone 50 mg/d 75 mg/d 0.62 (2.05) -0.81 (2.70) -7.04 (15.83) -5.68 (15.62) -5.11(11.11) -5.91 (9.05) -3.21(11.27) -1.07(13.79) Placebo 0.11 (2.46) 0.22(13.45) 1.78 (7.84) 1.42 (9.69) p..

Value 0 .109 0.036 0 .014 0.422 At all visits the 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg groups had decreases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while the placebo group had increases in mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure (both standing and supine). Dose response with respect to standing and supine diastolic blood pressure was statistically significant for all visits (p 0.002). Dose response with respect to standing and supine blood pressure was statistically significant at Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12 (p <0.033), but not at Day 9 (p 0.12). No significant between-treatment differences in change from baseline in pulse were observed at any visit (p-values 0.136). A statistically significant dose response with greater decreases in pulse in the supine position at higher doses was observed at Week 4 (p-value 0.045). Spironolactone doses of 25 and 50 mg were also significantly different from placebo (p-values 0.043) (See Fig. At Day 9 and Week 4 visits, there was a 20 statistically significant dose response with respect to *o ^changes from baseline in body weight in that patients in the 75 mg dose group experienced more weight loss than other patients. This dose response was not observed at later visits (p 0.062).

Clinical Laboratory Values: Table IV contains details of the different clinical laboratory values that showed statistically significant treatment differences with respect to mean changes at Week 12 visit compared with their respective baseline value.

TAL IV.** Wee 12 Mea Change Spiroriolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone 12.5 xng/d 25 mg/d 50 mgld 75 mg/d Urinary aldosterone (nmol/D) 4.21 4.27 8.11 11.13 N-Terminal ANF (pmol/L) -287.30 -294.60 -351.30 -370.60 PRA (NgAngl/L/s) 9.90 9.33 13.18 10.23 Placebo Value 0.76 0.002 54.50 0.022 0.50 0.002 0.00 0.002 0.00 0.005 -0.10 0.001 -1.96 0.001 Hematocrit M% Hemoglobin (mmol/L/Fe) Potassium (mmol/L) Creatinine (umol/L) 0 .00 0 .12 0 .18 6 .83 -0.02 -0.20 0.37 9.30 -0 .02 -0.31 0.51 14.06 -0.03 -0 .46 0.58 21.90 Sodium (mmol/L) Sodiu (mml/L)-1.61 -1.85 -2.52-37-03 001 -3.37 -0.03 0.001 Urinary Aldosterone (See Fig. Urinary aldosterone was determined only for baseline and the 12 week visit.

Urinary aldosterone excretion showed mean increases from baseline in all treatment groups (P <0.012). Greater increases were seen at higher doses of spironolactone (p 0.002). All pair-wise comparisons between active treatment and placebo were statistically significant (p !0.009).

Plasma Renin Activity (PRA) (See Fiq. A statistically significant dose-response with respect to change from baseline in PRA was seen at Day 9, Week 4 and Week 12 (P <0.001) with higher doses of spironolactone associated with greater increases in PRA. PRA was not measured at Week 8.

N-Terminal Atrial Natriuretic Factor (ANF) (See 20 Fig. All active treatments showed decreases from baseline at all treatment visits. Dose-response was statistically significant at Day 9 (p 0.048), Week 4 (p 0.005), and Week 12 (p 0.008). ANF was not measured at Week 8. In comparisons the 50 mg dose group differed 25 significantly from placebo at Week 4 (p 0.009) and Week 12 (p 0.006), while the 75 mg dose group differed significantly from placebo at Week 12 only (p 0.007).

Hematocrit and Hemoglobin: At Day 9 visit a statistically significant mean value difference between -e placebo and the different active treatments was observed with-lower values for the placebo group than the active treatments (p <0.001). At Week 12 a reverse statistically significant difference was observed with lower levels for the active treatment groups for hematocrit (p 0.002) and hemoglobin (0.005).

Serum Potassium: A statistically significant doseresponse with respect to change from baseline in serum potassium was seen at all treatment period visits (p <0.001). Higher doses of spironolactone were associated with larger increases in potassium. All doses of active treatment had significantly higher serum potassium levels relative to baseline than placebo (p <0.034).

Incidence of Hyperkalemia Spironolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone Spironolactone Treatment: Placebo 12.5 mg/d 25 mg/d 50 mg/d 75 mg/d Patients 6(13%) 9(20%) 10(24%) Predictors of Hyperkalemia: Seven possible predictors of hyperkalemia (potassium 25.5 mmol/L) were included in a step-wise Cox regression analysis: randomized treatment (treated as a categorical variable), age, baseline NYHA 20 class, baseline serum potassium, baseline PRA, baseline creatinine, baseline urinary aldosterone, and type and dose of ACE-I. Besides the dose of spironolactone, the following predictors of hyperkalemia were statistically significant in the step-wise regression analysis: type of ACE-I (captopril versus other), baseline serum creatinine, and baseline serum potassium. Results are summarized as **follows: Factor p-value Risk Ratio Captopril vs other ACE-I 0.013 0.318 Serum Creatinine normal 0.038 2.72 Baseline Potassium median 0.040 2.32 In this analysis, the risk ratio can be thought of as the probability that the patient with the risk factor will develop hyperkalemia, relative to the probability that a patient without the risk factor will develop it. (For example, patients on captopril are about one-third as likely to develop hyperkalemia as a patient on another ACE-I.) Risk ratios relative to placebo for the various doses of spironolactone are: D22sS -value Risk Ratio Spironolactone 12.5 mg 0.98 1.02 Spironolactone 25 mg 0.19 2.91 Spironolactone 50 mg 0.034 5.32 Spironolactone 75 mg 0.016 6.66 After adjusting for the above factors, other predictors included in the step-wise regression analysis were not significant (p-values 0.07). However, the following additional factor was significantly related to the development of hyperkalemia when considered apart from other predictors except the dose of spironolactone.

Factor p-value Risk Ratio High ACE-I Dose 0.050 2.93 Serum Magnesium: Change from baseline in serum 20 magnesium showed a statistically significant dose-response at Day 9 and Week 4 (p 0.048), with more patients in the placebo group showing decreases in serum magnesium.

However, this effect was not seen at later visits (p >0.083) Adverse Effects: Table V summarizes the twelve most common adverse events by different treatment groups. Only one symptom, hyperkalemia, showed a clear dose-response in term of incidence (p 0.001).

0. 0. Table V Incidence of Adverse Events Spironolactone Dose-Ranging Study Intent-to-Treat Cohort (Top Twelve Events) Treatment Group (Percentage of Patients) Spirono lact one Spirono lactone Sp ironolactone Spirono lactone Adverse Events 12i.5...ma 25j.man 50 ma 75.~n maAk Plceo oal Dyspnea 22.0 15.6 26.1 24.4 30.0 23.5 Angina Pectoris 19.5 20.0 8.7 14.6 17.5 16.0 Dizziness 12.2 13.3 13.0 17.1 15.0 14.1 Fatigue 12.2 13.3 15.2 14.6 15.0 14.1 Nausea 2.4 17.8 6.5 19.5 12.5 11.7 Diarrhea 4.9 22.2 8.7 14.6 5.0 11.3 Abdominal Pain 7.3 .8.9 13.0 7.3 17.5 10.8 Headache 9.8 2.2 15.2 7.3 20.0 10.8 Hyperkalemia 2.4 8.9 15.2 19.5 2.5 9.9 URT Infection 4.9 11.1 8.7 2.4 12.5 Arthralgia 4.9 4.4 8.7 4.9 7.5 6.1 Coughing 4.9 2.2 4.3 2.4 12.5 5.2 A breakdown of the hospitalizations is as follows: Treatment Placebo 12.5 ma 25 mcr 50 ma 75 ma p Patients 5(12.5%) 13(27.6%) 6(14.6%) N.S.

No deaths were reported during the drug treatment period.

Three patients died within 30 days after the study was completed. These three patients were previously at the mg dose.

Administration of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, the aldosterone receptor antagonist and diuretic may take place sequentially in separate formulations, or may be accomplished by simultaneous administration in a single formulation or separate formulations. Administration may be accomplished by oral route, or by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injections. The formulation may be in the form of a bolus, 20 or in the form of aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile S. injection solutions or suspensions. These solution and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers or diluents, or a binder such as gelatin or 25 hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose, together with one or more of a lubricant, preservative, surface-active or dispersing agent.

For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may be in the form of, for example, a tablet, capsule, suspension or liquid. The pharmaceutical composition is preferably made in the form of a dosage unit containing a particular amount of the active ingredient.

Examples of such dosage units are tablets or capsules. The ACE inhibitor may be present in an amount from about 1 to 200 mg, preferably from about 2 to 150 mg,'depending upon the specific ACE inhibitor selected. A suitable daily dose for a mammal may vary widely depending on the condition of the patient and other factors. The ALDO antagonist may be present in an amount of from about 1 to 400 mg, preferably from about 2 to 150 mg, depending upon the specific ALDO antagonist compound selected and the specific disease state being targetted for the combination therapy.

For disease states which require prevention, reduction or treatment of a cardiovascular disease state without incidence of hyperkalemia, for example, the ALDO antagonist component, typically spironolactone, will be present in the combination therapy in an amount in a range from about 1 mg to about 25 mg per dose. A preferred range for spirolactone would be from about 5 mg to 15 mg per dose. More preferably, the spironolactone dosage would be in a range from about 10 mg to 15 mg per dose per day.

The diuretic agent may be present in a range from about 1 mg to about 200 mg, prefeably from 5 mg to 150 mg, depending upon the diuretic selected and the disease state targetted.

Examples of various fixed combinations of ACE inhibitor and ALDO antagonist, for use with a diuretic in the "triple therapy" of the invention, are as follow: ACE Inhibitor Captopril(mg) Enalapril (mg) 2 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 .12.5 to 25 5 to 15 12.5 to 25 5 to 15 IDose given 1, 2 or 3 times per day 2Dose given once per day ALDO Antagonist Spironolactone (mg) 2 12.5 17.5 22.5 The active ingredients may also be administered by injection as a composition wherein, for example, saline, dextrose or water may be used as a suitable carrier.

The dosage regimen for treating a disease condition with the combination therapy of this invention is selected in accordance with a variety of factors, including the type, age, weight, sex and medical condition of the patient, the severity of the disease, the route of administration, and the particular compound employed, and thus may vary widely.

For therapeutic purposes, the active components of this combination therapy invention are ordinarily combined with one or more adjuvants appropriate to the indicated route of administration. If administered per os, the components may be admixed with lactose, sucrose, starch powder, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, e° polyvinylpyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, and then .i tableted or encapsulated for convenient administration.

20 Such capsules or tablets may contain a controlled-release formulation as may be provided in a dispersion of active compound in hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose. Formulations for parenteral administration may be in the form of aqueous or non-aqueous isotonic sterile injection solutions or 25 suspensions. These solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders or granules having one or more of the carriers or diluents mentioned for use in the formulations for oral administration. The components may be dissolved in water, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethanol, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, benzyl alcohol, sodium chloride, and/or various buffers.

Other adjuvants and modes of administration are well and widely known in the pharmaceutical art.

Pharmaceutical compositions for use in the treatment methods of the invention may be administered in oral form or by intravenous adminstration. Oral administration of the combination therapy is preferred.

Dosing for oral administration may be with a regimen calling for single daily dose, or for a single dose every other day, or for multiple, spaced doses throughout the day. The active agents which make up the combination therapy may be administered simultaneously, either in a combined dosage form or in separate dosage forms intended for substantially simultaneous oral administration. The active agents which make up the combinatin therapy may also be administered sequentially, with either active component being administered by a regimen calling for multi-step ingestion. Thus, a regimen may call for sequential administration of the active agents with spaced-apart ingestion of the separate, active agents. The time period between the multiple ingestion steps may range from a few minutes to several hours, depending upon the properties of each active agent such a potency, solubility, bioavailability, plasma half-life and kinetic profile of the agent, as well as depending upon the age and condition of the patient. The active agents of the combined therapy whether administered simultaneously, substantially 20 simultaneously, or sequentially, may involve a regimen calling for administration of one active agent by oral "..route and the other active agent by intravenous route.

Whether the active agents of the combined therapy are adminstered by oral or intravenous route, separately or 25 together, each such active agent will be contained in a suitable pharmaceutical formulation of pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients, diluents or other formulations components. Examples of suitable pharmaceuticallyacceptable formulations containing the active components for oral administration are given below. Even though such formulations list both active agents together in the same recipe, it is appropriate for such recipe to be utilized for a formulation containing one of the active components.

Example 1 An oral dosage may be prepared by screening and then mixing together the following list of ingredients in the amounts indicated. The dosage may then be placed in a hard gelatin capsule.

Ingredients Amounts captopril 62.0 mg spironolactone 12.5 mg furosemide 73.9 mg magnesium stearate 10 mg lactose 100 mg ExamDle 2 An oral dosage may be prepared by mixing together granulating with a 10% gelatin solution. The wet granules are screened, dried, mixed with starch, talc and stearic acid, screened and compressed into a tablet.

Inaredients Amounts captopril 62.0 mg spironolactone 12.5 mg 20 furosemide 73.9 mg calcium sulfate dihydrate 100 mg sucrose 15 mg starch 8 mg talc 4 mg stearic acid 2 mg Example 3 S* An oral dosage may be prepared by screening and then mixing together the following list of ingredients in the amounts indicated. The dosage may then be placed in a hard gelatin capsule.

Ingredients Amounts enalapril 14.3 mg spironolactone 12.5 mg furosemide 73.9 mg magnesium stearate 10 mg lactose 100 mg Example 4 An oral dosage may be prepared by mixing together granulating with a 10% gelatin solution. The wet granules are screened, dried, mixed with starch, talc and stearic acid, screened and compressed into a tablet.

Ingredients Amounts enalapril 14.3 mg spironolactone 12.5 mg furosemide 73.9 mg calcium sulfate dihydrate 100 mg sucrose 15 mg starch 8 mg talc 4 mg stearic acid 2 mg Although this invention has been described with 20 respect to specific embodiments, the details of these embodiments are not to be construed as limitations.

With reference to the use of the word(s) "comprise" or "comprises" or comprising" in the foregoing description and/or in the following claims, we note that unless the context requires otherwise, those words are used on the basis and clear understanding that they are to be interpreted inclusively, rather than exclusively, and that we intend each of those words to be so interpreted in construing the foregoing description and/or the following claims.

Claims (25)

1. A combination comprising a therapeutically- effective amount of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, an aldosterone receptor antagonist and a diuretic, said aldosterone receptor antagonist being present in an amount in a daily dose range from 5 to 22.5 mg per dose and which is therapeutically effective to antagonize a physiological effect of aldosterone but which amount is not sufficient for said aldosterone receptor antagonist to induce an adverse side effect.

2. The combination of Claim 1 wherein said aldosterone receptor antagonist is a spirolactone-type 15 compound. The combination of Claim 2 wherein said spirolactone-type compound is spironolactone. 20 4. The combination of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat, spirapril, Bioproject BP1.137, Chiesi CHF 1514, Fisons FPL- 66564, idrapril, Marion Merrell Dow MDL-100240, perindoprilat and Servier S-5590. The combination of Claim 4 wherein said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat and spirapril.

6. The combination of any one of claims 1 to 5 further characterized by said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and said aldosterone receptor antagonist being present in said combination in a weight ratio range from about 0.1-to-one to about twenty-five-to-one of said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor to said aldosterone receptor antagonist.

7. The combination of Claim 6 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about fifteen-to-one.

8. The combination of Claim 7 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about five- to-one.

9. Use of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and a diuretic agent and an aldosterone receptor antagonist, wherein said aldosterone antagonist is present in an amount 20 in a daily dose range from 5 to 22.5 mg per dose and which is therapeutically effective to antagonize aldosterone but insufficient to induce an adverse side effect, for preparing a medicament for treating cardiovascular disorders in a subject afflicted with or susceptible to multiple cardiovascular disorders. Use of Claim 9 wherein said subject is afflicted with or susceptible to heart failure and said subject further requires avoidance of the incidence of hyperkalemia.

11. Use of Claim 10 wherein said subject is further susceptible to congestive heart failure.

12. Use of claim 10 or 11 wherein said subject is further susceptible to hypertension.

13. Use of any one of claims 9 to 12 further characterized by administering said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, said aldosterone receptor antagonist and said diuretic in a sequential manner.

14. Use of any one of claims 9 to 12 further. characterized by administering said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and said aldosterone receptor antagonist in a substantially simultaneous manner. Use of any one of claims 9 to 14 wherein said aldosterone receptor antagonist is a spirolactone-type compound.

16. Use of Claim 15 wherein said spirolactone-type compound is spironolactone. o

17. Use of any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein said ari iotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from 20 the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, o fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat, 25 spirapril, Bioproject BP1.137, Chiesi CHF 1514, Fisons FPL- 66564, idrapril, Marion Merrell Dow MDL-100240, "perindoprilat and Servier S-5590.

18. Use of Claim 17 wherein said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat and spirapril. 41

19. Use of any one of claims 9 to 18 further characterized by said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and said aldosterone receptor antagonist being used in said co-therapy in a weight ratio range from about 0..1-to-one to about twenty-five-to-one of said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor to said aldosterone receptor antagonist. Use of Claim 19 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about fifteen-to-one.

21. Use of Claim 20 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about five- to-one.

22. Use of any one of claims 9 to 18 wherein said Sangiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is captopril, in a dose range from about 30 mg to about 80 mg per dose, or is enalapril in a dose range from about 5 mg to about 25 mg per dose.

23. Use of Claim 22 wherein said aldosterone receptor antagonist is spironolactone in a dose 9 25 range from about 1 mg to less than 25 mg per dose.

24. Use of any one of claims 9 to 23 wherein said diuretic agent is selected from the group consisting of thiazides and related sulfonamides, potassium-sparing diuretics, loop diuretics and organic mercurial diuretics. Use of any one of claims 9 to 23 wherein said diuretic agent is selected from the group consisting of bendroflumethiazide thiaz hiazide, chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, hydroflumethiazide, methyclothiazide, polythiazide, trichlormethiazide, quinethazone, metolazone, triameterene and amiloride. 42

26. A triple therapy for treating cardiovascular disorders in a subject afflicted with or susceptible to multiple cardiovascular disorders, wherein said triple therapy comprises administering a therapeutically-effective amount of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and a diuretic agent, and administering an aldosterone receptor antagonist in an amount in a daily dose range from 5 to 22.5 mg per dose and which is therapeutically effective to antagonize aldosterone but insufficient to induce an adverse side effect.

27. The triple therapy of Claim 26 wherein said subject is afflicted with or susceptible to heart failure and said subject further requires avoidance of the *ges .incidence of hyperkalemia. *28. The triple therapy of Claim 27 wherein said subject is further susceptible to congestive heart failure. 29 The triple therapy of Claim 27 or 28 wherein said 20 subject is further susceptible to hypertension. The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 29 further characterized by administering said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, said aldosterone receptor antagonist and said diuretic in a sequential manner. 31 The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 29 further characterized by administering said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and said aldosterone receptor antagonist in a substantially simultaneous manner. 32 The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein said aldosterone receptor antagonist is a spirolactone-type compound.

33.. The triple therapy of Claim 32 wherein said spirolactone-type compound is spironolactone. 43 34 The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 33 wherein said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat, spirapril, Bioproject BP1.137, Chiesi CHF 1514, Fisons FPL- 66564, idrapril, Marion Merrell Dow MDL-100240, perindoprilat and Servier S-5590. The triple therapy of Claim 34 wherein said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of alacepril, benazepril, captopril, cilazapril, delapril, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, fosinoprilat, imidapril, lisinopril, perindopril, S*quinapril, ramipril, saralasin acetate, temocapril, trandolapril, ceranapril, moexipril, quinaprilat and spirapril. 0000 20 36. The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 35 further characterized by said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and said aldosterone receptor antagonist being used in said co-therapy in a weight ratio range from about 0,1-to-one to about twenty-five-to-one of said angiotensin 0*0S 25 converting enzyme inhibitor to said aldosterone receptor antagonist. 32. The triple therapy of Claim 36 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about fifteen-to-one.

38. The triple therapy of Claim 37 wherein said weight ratio range is from about 0.5-to-one to about five- to-one. 44

39. The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 35 wherein said angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor is captopril, in a dose range from about 30 mg to about 80 mg per dose, or is enalapril in a dose range from about 5 mg to about 25 mg per dose. The triple therapy of Claim 39 wherein said aldosterone receptor antagonist is spironolactone in a dose range from about 1 mg to less than 25 mg per dose.

41. The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 40 wherein said diuretic agent is selected from the group consisting of thiazides and related sulfonamides, potassium-sparing diuretics, loop diuretics and organic mercurial diuretics.

42. The triple therapy of any one of claims 26 to 40 wherein said S" diuretic agent is selected from the group consisting of bendroflumethiazide, benzthiazide, chlorothiazide, S" hydrochlorothiazide, hydroflumethiazide, methyclothiazide, 20 polythiazide, trichlormethiazide, quinethazone, metolazone, triameterene and amiloride. DATED this 20 day of March 2000 G. D. SEARLE CO., By its Patent Attorneys, E. F. WELLINGTON CO., (Bruce Welling o 0