What's Happening?
A new study published in JAMA reveals that the investigational drug zilebesiran, administered as a long-acting injection, significantly reduces blood pressure in patients whose hypertension is not controlled by standard treatments. The KARDIA-2 trial
involved 663 adults who received the drug alongside their usual medications. Results showed that patients experienced greater and more consistent blood pressure reductions compared to those on standard therapy alone. The study suggests that long-acting treatments like zilebesiran could offer a new approach for managing chronic hypertension.
Why It's Important?
Hypertension is a major global health concern, often leading to heart attacks and strokes. The development of a long-acting treatment like zilebesiran could revolutionize blood pressure management by reducing the need for daily medication. This approach may improve adherence and provide more stable blood pressure control, benefiting patients who struggle with daily dosing. The findings could lead to a shift in how chronic blood pressure management is delivered, potentially improving outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
What's Next?
Researchers plan to conduct further trials to test zilebesiran in broader and higher-risk groups. A global outcomes trial is also planned to assess whether long-term treatment with zilebesiran can reduce serious cardiovascular events. If successful, this could lead to widespread adoption of the drug and a new standard in hypertension treatment.
