The Therapeutic Potential of Candoxatril, a Neutral Endopeptidase Inhibitor, in Humans

Candoxatril (UK‐79,300) is the orally active prodrug of candoxatrilat (UK‐73,967), the active enantiomer of (±) candoxatrilat (UK‐69,578), a potent neutral endopeptidase inhibitor. This article describes the rationale behind the use of this drug in the treatment of hypertension and chronic heart failure in humans. It further describes the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of candoxatril in preclinical animal studies, normal healthy individuals, and in patients with hypertension and chronic cardiac failure. In addition, we have described the initial results of clinical trials in hypertension and chronic cardiac failure, together with the potential future clinical developments of combined neutral endopeptidase/angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.