Discovery and development of flecainide.

The flecainide discovery and development process started in 1966 with the broad goal of investigating the effects of fluorine substitution in potential drug molecules. The overall process evolved slowly. The original goals of the project were translated into the 3 major phases: (1) the synthesis and evaluation of 2 major chemical series through the efforts of chemists who incorporated fluorine atoms into new compounds; (2) a change in focus from local anesthetic programs to the antiarrhythmic project through the efforts and advisement of pharmacologists; and (3) commitment to a flecainide development plan culminating in the new drug application for approval of flecainide in the suppression and prevention of ventricular arrhythmias.