Repurposing Probenecid as a Positive Inotrope for the Treatment of Heart Failure

The investigators will test the hypothesis that oral administration of probenecid results in
improved symptomatology and heart function in patients with systolic heart failure. There
will be three cohorts.

Cohort 1 will enroll up to 50 subjects in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control,
cross-over study with each patient serving as his or her own control. The subjects will have
stable HF, an ejection fraction of less than or equal to 40% and NYHA II to IV symptoms.
Each subject will undergo 1 week of investigational product (IP), consisting of oral
probenecid therapy 1 gram twice a day or placebo with weekly follow.

The subjects will undergo EKGs, laboratory analysis, physical exams; dyspnea and quality of
life questionnaires and a 6 minute walk test (MWT) at baseline. There will be 2 optional
sub-studies one for echocardiographic data and the other biomarkers.

Cohort 2 will enroll up to 50 subjects in a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-control
study and will include patients admitted to the hospital with acute decompensated HF. Each
subject will also receive Investigational product consisting of either 1 gram orally twice
daily of probenecid or placebo during their hospitalization. They will have daily follow-up
with EKG and appropriate laboratory work. In addition to the EKG, laboratory analysis,
physical exams, dyspnea and quality of life questionnaires and 6 MWT data will be collected;
additional data such as length of hospital stay, biomarkers, use of inotropic therapy and
diuretics, and rate of diuresis will also be collected.

Cohort 3 will enroll up to 50 healthy subjects in a double-blinded, randomized,
placebo-control study. Each subject will also receive Investigational product consisting of
either 2 grams orally of probenecid or placebo. During a 6 hour course subjects will have
laboratory analysis, physical exam, telemetry, EKG and echocardiographic studies performed
as measures of both safety and effect of the compound.

Inclusion Criteria

1. 18 years of age or older

2. EF < 40% via echocardiogram within the past 12 months

3. Stable dose of heart failure medications for > past 1 month

4. NYHA class II - IV

Exclusion Criteria

1. Pregnant or lactating female

2. Receiving IV inotrope

3. History of significant non-compliance

4. Unwilling to adhere to the protocol

5. Systemic systolic BP less than 90 mmHg at screening visit

6. History of allergy to probenecid

7. History of gout

8. History of renal calculi

9. Recent unstable coronary artery syndromes (USA, admission to hospital for AMI,
revascularization procedure, or acute decompensated HF requiring hospitalization)
within the past 3 months.

10. Implant of CRT device within the past 3 months

11. TIA, CVA or major surgery within the past 3 months

12. Valvular heart disease (more than moderate stenosis or insufficiency)

13. HOCM, myocarditis, constrictive pericarditis, congenital heart disease, 14 Active
chemotherapy, significant malignancy or uncontrolled metabolic disease (untreated
hyper or hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease etc.)What about uncontrolled DM?? HgA1C >
etc

15. Elevated liver enzymes (> 3 times ULN), 16. Current atrial fibrillation or frequent
PVCs (should we define this now) 17. End stage renal disease (dialysis dependent) or
worsening renal insufficiency should define now.

18. History of gastric ulcerations, significant gastroesophageal reflux. 19. Other
condition that in the opinion of the investigator, would make the subject a poor candidate
for the study.

20. Co-administration of any medication that in the opinion of the investigator places the
subject at increased risks due to potential adverse drug interactions.