Empagliflozin cuts the risk of hospitalisation from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction by almost 30% regardless of diabetes status, a major study shows.

Findings from the landmark EMPEROR-Preserved randomised placebo-controlled trial are of particular importance given the narrow range of treatments available for this patient cohort, the researchers say.

“For people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, the reality is that so far there are no clinically proven treatments we can offer that would make a significant impact on their condition,” said principal investigator Professor Stefan Anker, a cardiologist at Charité Berlin, Germany.

“This data brings hope for millions of patients suffering from heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction … [and] underlines the breadth of empagliflozin’s efficacy and its potential overall impact.”