OBJECTIVE: To review the efficacy and safety of vericiguat indicated to reduce 
the risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure (HF) hospitalization 
following hospitalization or need for outpatient intravenous diuretics in adult 
patients with chronic symptomatic HF and ejection fraction (EF) less than 45%.
DATA SOURCES: A literature search through MEDLINE with search terms MK1242, BAY 
1021189, and vericiguat was conducted. Product labeling and English-language 
studies assessing pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, or safety of 
vericiguat were included.
STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Preclinical and clinical studies describing 
the efficacy and safety of vericiguat were included.
DATA SYNTHESIS: The phase 3 VICTORIA clinical trial demonstrated a lower 
composite primary outcome of death from cardiovascular causes or first 
hospitalization in the vericiguat group compared to placebo. Total 
hospitalizations for HF in the vericiguat group were significantly less compared 
to placebo. The composite secondary outcome of death from any cause or first HF 
hospitalization was significantly less in the vericiguat group.
RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE: The addition of vericiguat 
offers a new treatment option for those in whom rehospitalization or recurrent 
outpatient intravenous diuretic treatment is a concern. Given high rates of 
nonadherence in HF patients, vericiguat represents an additional treatment 
option, especially for patients who do not tolerate available HF therapies.
CONCLUSION: Vericiguat is a novel soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator that is 
safe and effective for reducing the risk of cardiovascular death and HF 
hospitalization in adults with symptomatic chronic HF and reduced EF.