&NA;Omapatrilat, a potent dual metalloprotease inhibitor, is currently undergoing phase II clinical studies with Bristol-Myers Squibb in the US as a cardiovascular agent. The company highlights the potential of omapatrilat in organ protection in hypertension that would differentiate it from other antihypertensive agents. Omapatrilat has also potential for similar efficacy in African Americans and Caucasians. In 3 phase II studies the effect of omapatrilat has been at least equivalent in either group. Omapatrilat is currently undergoing phase III clinical trials for hypertension and phase II for heart failure.Bristol-Myers Squibb plans to file a US FDA application for the use of omapatrilat in hypertension and associated heart, kidney and brain problems in late 1999. Omapatrilat is undergoing clinical evaluation for the treatment of congestive heart failure at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand. Also in Australia and New Zealand, omapatrilat, in association with folic acid, is undergoing clinical evaluation in patients with coronary heart disease (myocardial infarction or angina pectoris). Known as the PACIFIC study, it is expected to recruit about 900 patients. The company also plans to develop the drug for the treatment of postmyocardial infarction.