Sacubitril/valsartan: evaluation of safety and efficacy as an antihypertensive treatment

Hypertension (HTN) is a common disease state associated with extensive morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is often difficult for patients with HTN to achieve and maintain a goal blood pressure (BP), despite there being many effective treatment options available. Sacubitril/valsartan is a first-in-class angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) that has garnered approval by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency as a first-line treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. During clinical trials for heart failure as well as in independent trials for HTN, sacubitril/valsartan has demonstrated safety and efficacy when it comes to BP lowering, making it a promising antihypertensive agent. Most trials of sacubitril/valsartan were 8 to 12 weeks in length and demonstrated a clinically relevant BP lowering that was frequently more significant than its comparators. While more data are needed to confirm its role as an antihypertensive agent, the data available are promising and it is anticipated that sacubitril/valsartan will gain an indication of HTN.