In a stunning medical development, researchers have released the results of a study indicating that the drug BilDil has a significant impact on survival rates of African-Americans who suffer from heart failure. This condition causes the heart to stop pumping efficiently. As a result, the heart begins to enlarge and, untreated can lead to death within five years.

Dr. Clyde Yancy, who authored the study, had compared the effects of the drug on a group of heart failure patients 18 and older. The study, which began in July 2001, concludes that there was a 43 percent reduction in the mortality rate of those who were given the drug and those who were given a placebo. The study was so effective, in fact, that Dr. Yancy stopped the trials this past July so that all of those participating in the study could benefit from the drug.

BilDil, which is a product of the NitroMed, a biotechnology company based in Lexington, Massachusetts, is a combination of isosorbide dinitrate and hydralazine. Separately, neither of these drugs have any impact on heart health, but combined, they seem to boost nitric oxide levels, which protect the heart and arteries from damage.

Research has yet to determine why African-Americans are more likely to experience heart failure and to develop it at a younger age than other populations. Additionally, this group dies more quickly from the disease. Some estimates indicate that five million Americans suffer from this condition. Currently, treatment usually consists of beta blockers, which are taken to lower blood pressure.

Dr. Yancy announced these findings on Monday at the annual American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans. The results of this study, which was referred to as the African-American Heart Failure Trial, will be published in the New England Journal of Medicine on November 11.

As news of the results of this study leaked, NitroMed saw its shares rise 8% on Friday. As news of this development spreads, the company should see further increases.