Experimental shot controls high blood pressure in early trial every six months

Experimental shot controls high blood pressure in early trial every six months

A Promising Breakthrough: A Shot to Manage Blood Pressure

Every day, millions of people rely on daily medication to control their blood pressure and reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. But what if there was an alternative to these daily pills? Exciting research suggests that a potential breakthrough in blood pressure management may come in the form of a twice-yearly shot. This unique approach, currently in the trial phase, aims to offer sustained reduction in blood pressure without the need for daily pills.

The shot, known as zilebesiran, works by suppressing the gene responsible for producing angiotensin, a hormone that causes blood vessels to contract, leading to increased blood pressure. By inhibiting the production of this hormone, this innovative treatment has the potential to provide long-lasting benefits. Lead author Dr. Akshay Suvas Desai, from the Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, believes that this approach can overcome the challenges of adherence that often arise with daily medication.

Many individuals with high blood pressure struggle with maintaining their medication routine. It can be overwhelming, and often, individuals don’t necessarily feel sick, leading to missed or skipped pills. The potential for a twice-yearly shot could ease this burden, allowing patients to receive their treatment in a more manageable manner.

To evaluate the effectiveness of zilebesiran, researchers conducted a study involving 107 participants with high blood pressure. Some participants received varying doses of zilebesiran as a shot, while others received a placebo injection. The study followed these individuals for 24 weeks and examined the impact of the 800-mg dose of zilebesiran on blood pressure under both low- and high-salt diet conditions. Additionally, the researchers evaluated how the shot worked in combination with another blood pressure-lowering medication.

The study demonstrated that the higher the dose of zilebesiran, the greater the reduction in blood pressure. These effects lasted for up to six months, showcasing the potential for sustained blood pressure control. Furthermore, the combination of zilebesiran with a low-salt diet or another medication enhanced its effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that zilebesiran is not intended to replace other blood pressure-lowering medications but could instead provide a foundation on which additional medications can be layered.

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While zilebesiran shows promise, more research is needed before it can be considered a complete replacement for daily medication. Dr. Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, director of the University of Miami Comprehensive Hypertension Center, emphasizes that lifestyle changes and a heart-healthy diet remain fundamental in effectively managing high blood pressure, even with the potential use of zilebesiran. In fact, certain poor lifestyle choices, such as consuming excessive salt, can reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure medications, including zilebesiran.

Zilebesiran may not be exempt from this phenomenon, as the study results indicate that individuals exposed to a high-salt diet experienced a return to baseline blood pressure levels. Therefore, adopting a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial to complement the benefits of any medication, including zilebesiran.

High blood pressure is recognized as the number one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. However, despite the availability of various hypertensive medications and advancements in medical technologies, only 1 in 4 adults with hypertension have their condition under control. This highlights the critical need to effectively manage blood pressure to reduce the risk of serious complications, such as heart disease and stroke, ultimately improving overall health and well-being.

The findings of this study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, offer a glimmer of hope for individuals struggling with hypertension. The potential for a twice-yearly shot to manage blood pressure not only reduces pill count but also improves adherence. While further research is necessary to determine the long-term impact on heart failure, stroke, and heart attacks, zilebesiran presents a promising future for individuals on their journey to better blood pressure control.

For more information on managing blood pressure, visit the American Heart Association.

Sources: – Akshay Suvas Desai, MD, MPH, medical director, Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure Program, Advanced Heart Disease Section, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston – George Bakris, MD, professor, medicine, director, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Hypertension Center – Maria Carolina Delgado-Lelievre, MD, assistant professor, University of Miami School of Medicine, and director, University of Miami Comprehensive Hypertension Center – New England Journal of Medicine, July 20, 2023