Ivabradine
| Evidence Level: L5 | Predicted Indications: 10 |
Table of Contents
Ivabradine: From Heart Rate Control to Hypertrichosis
One-Sentence Summary
Ivabradine is a heart-rate-lowering medicine that works on the sinoatrial node, and it is marketed in Singapore as film-coated tablets. The TxGNN model predicts it may be effective for hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth), with a very high model score. However, there are 0 clinical trials and 0 publications supporting this prediction, so it rests on model output alone.
Quick Overview
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Original Indication | Not stated in the Singapore registration records. Ivabradine is generally known as a heart-rate-lowering drug. |
| Predicted New Indication | Hypertrichosis (disease) |
| TxGNN Prediction Score | 99.79% |
| Evidence Level | L5 |
| Singapore Market Status | ✓ Marketed |
| Number of Registrations | 6 |
| Recommended Decision | Hold |
Why is This Prediction Reasonable?
Ivabradine inhibits the HCN channel (the "If" current) in the sinoatrial node, which slows the heart rate. Detailed mechanism data was not available in the data compiled for this report, so this description is based on general pharmacology.
The review found no plausible mechanistic link between this action and hair follicle biology. The high score appears to be a network-based prediction artifact. It likely reflects shared neighbours with other hair-related conditions in the knowledge graph, not a real pharmacological relationship. Without trials or literature, there is no support for the prediction beyond the model itself.
Clinical Trial Evidence
Currently no related clinical trials registered.
Literature Evidence
Currently no related literature available.
Singapore Market Information
Six single-ingredient oral products hold valid registrations. The approved indication text is not listed in the registration records.
| Authorization Number | Product Name | Dosage Form | Manufacturer |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIN13408P | CORALAN Tablet 5mg | Film-coated tablet | Les Laboratoires Servier Industrie |
| SIN13409P | CORALAN Tablet 7.5 mg | Film-coated tablet | Les Laboratoires Servier Industrie |
| SIN16202P | IVASWIFT Film-Coated Tablet 5MG | Film-coated tablet | Ind-Swift Limited |
| SIN16201P | IVASWIFT Film-Coated Tablet 7.5MG | Film-coated tablet | Ind-Swift Limited |
| SIN17221P | VARADIN Film-Coated Tablets 5MG | Film-coated tablet | GENEPHARM S.A |
A sixth registration, SIN17220P (VARADIN 7.5MG, GENEPHARM S.A), is also valid.
Safety Considerations
- Drug Interactions: 100 interactions were identified, and the first 20 were reviewed. The main Major-level ones are:
- Aprepitant
- Clarithromycin
- Clotrimazole
- Cobicistat
- Cisapride
- Levofloxacin
- Papaverine
- The setron antiemetics (dolasetron, palonosetron, granisetron, ondansetron)
- Moderate-level interactions include the H2 blockers (famotidine, ranitidine, cimetidine, nizatidine), dexamethasone, miconazole, metreleptin and troglitazone.
Please refer to the package insert for warnings and contraindications.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Decision: Hold
Rationale: The prediction has no clinical trials or literature behind it, and no plausible mechanism links HCN channel inhibition to hair growth. It should be treated as a likely model artifact, not a repurposing lead.
To proceed, the following is needed:
- Any mechanistic or preclinical evidence linking HCN channels to hair follicle biology
- Package insert warnings and contraindications from the Singapore regulator
- Approved indication text for the Singapore registrations
Note on other predictions: Among the other predictions for ivabradine, pulmonary hypertension (score 98.50%) has by far the most supporting data, at evidence level L3. It has 20 publications:
- animal studies showing improved right ventricular function and less fibrosis
- small clinical studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension and in COPD-associated pulmonary hypertension
No registered trials exist, and the safety of heart rate reduction in patients whose cardiac output depends on the right ventricle remains uncertain. It is best framed as a research question that needs randomized, adequately powered confirmation. If the team wants to pursue a repurposing direction for ivabradine, this indication is a more sensible starting point than hypertrichosis.
Disclaimer
This content is for research purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical validation is required before any clinical application.