Johnson & Johnson Stops Testing of Bepridil Drug

The giant pharmaceutical concern Johnson & Johnson has abruptly stopped the testing of Bepridil, a drug used to treat heart problems, because of deaths among patients in its study, the company said Monday.

The New Brunswick, N.J.-based company, whose McNeil Pharmaceuticals subsidiary makes the experimental drug, declined to say how many deaths have occurred in the study of Bepridil, which was being used to treat irregular heartbeat.

“The relationship between Bepridil and the reported deaths is unclear and the data are being analyzed,” company spokesman Robert Kniffin told United Press International.

“Other McNeil Pharmaceuticals-sponsored Bepridil studies in angina (chest pains) are being modified to discontinue the use of Bepridil in any patients believed to be at risk,” he said.

During the last several months, Bepridil has been undergoing animal and human testing under the supervision of various scientists arounding the world, including researchers at the University of California’s Department of Pharmacy in San Francisco.

Johnson & Johnson’s test was discontinued Friday. Telegrams were sent to physicians over the weekend, and the Food and Drug Administration also has been informed, Kniffin said.

Bepridil, which is not on the market, is under development by Akzo, a Dutch firm.

Johnson & Johnson is a sub-licensee of the drug. Its stock closed Monday on the New York Stock Exchange at $45.125, down $1.50.