Aliskiren, a once-daily direct renin inhibitor with a trough-to-peak ratio of 98% at 300 mg/day, is approved for hypertension and under investigation for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Aliskiren represents a novel therapeutic approach for cardiovascular risk reduction through direct renin inhibition, with established use in hypertension and ongoing trials for heart failure.
An association has been shown between plasma renin activity (PRA) and the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is also evidence that angiotensin II exerts detrimental effects on progression and instabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can be inhibited through inhibition of angiotensin I (Ang I) generation from angiotensinogen by direct renin inhibitors, inhibition of angiotensin II (Ang II) generation from angiotensin I by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and finally by direct inhibition of the action of Ang II receptor level. Aliskiren, the first direct renin inhibitor to reach the market, is a low-molecular-weight, orally active, hydrophilic nonpeptide. Aliskiren blocks Ang I generation, while plasma renin concentration increases because the drugs blocks the negative feed-back exerted by Ang II on renin synthesis. Because of its long pharmacological half-life, aliskiren is suitable for once-daily administration. Its through-to-peak ratio approximates 98% for the 300 mg/day dose. Because of its mechanism of action, aliskiren might offer the additional opportunity to inhibit progression of atherosclerosis at tissue level. Hypertension is an approved indication for this drug, which is also promising for the treatment of heart failure. The efficacy of this drug in reducing major clinical events is being tested in large ongoing clinical trials.
Verdecchia et al. (Wed,) conducted a review in Cardiovascular disease. Aliskiren was evaluated. Aliskiren, a once-daily direct renin inhibitor with a trough-to-peak ratio of 98% at 300 mg/day, is approved for hypertension and under investigation for cardiovascular risk reduction.
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