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Millions Could Benefit From New Long-Acting BP Injection
30 Jan
Summary
- A new medication, zilebesiran, is delivered via injection every six months.
- The drug targets and blocks the production of a specific protein in the liver.
- This treatment showed potential to help millions manage hard-to-treat high blood pressure.
Researchers have found that a new medication, zilebesiran, administered via injection every six months, may offer a significant breakthrough for individuals with hard-to-treat high blood pressure. The KARDIA-2 trial involved 663 participants who received the zilebesiran injection alongside their current hypertension treatments, which had not been fully effective.
Zilebesiran functions by inhibiting the liver's production of angiotensinogen, a protein that causes blood vessels to constrict. By blocking this protein, the medication allows blood vessels to relax, thereby lowering blood pressure. This long-acting treatment offers an alternative to daily medications and could greatly improve hypertension management for many.
Further studies, including KARDIA-3, are planned to assess zilebesiran's effects on individuals with existing cardiovascular disease or those at risk. A large global outcomes study is also slated to investigate its impact on stroke, heart disease, and cardiovascular event risks, with the potential to help millions of patients better manage their condition.
