Six-Month Injection May Replace Daily Pills

High blood pressure, a "silent killer" affecting one in three UK adults, is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. Many patients find managing their condition difficult with daily pills, which can cause side effects. A new long-acting therapy, zilebesiran, is now being investigated in the phase three Zenith trial. This trial, involving over 11,000 people globally, aims to assess if a six-monthly injection can provide sustained blood pressure reduction.

The Zenith trial includes hundreds of participants across more than 50 sites in the UK. Patients receive either 300mg of zilebesiran or a placebo every six months, alongside their usual medications. The study will run for up to five years, evaluating the injection's effectiveness in reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Previous studies have shown promising results in significantly lowering blood pressure.

Researchers are hopeful that zilebesiran could become a valuable tool, potentially replacing daily pills for some patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Regulatory approval may follow if the trial provides sufficient evidence. The trial is currently enrolling adults aged 55 and over with high cardiovascular risk, or those with established cardiovascular disease, who are on at least two antihypertensive medications, including a diuretic.