Two Injections A Year Likely To Transform Hypertension Care: Lancet Review

For years, managing high blood pressure required consuming a pill every day but it could soon shift to just two injections a year, as per a new review published in The Lancet that features late-stage therapies in global trials. The two injections per year is likely to provide long-lasting control and may transform how hypertension is cured.

According to the research, the development could fundamentally change how hypertension is managed at a time when control rate remains extremely low despite availability of medicines. According to a report by World Health Organisation, “Of the estimated 220 million people in India living with hypertension, only 12% have their blood pressure under control. Hypertension kills more adults than any other cause and is readily preventable and treatable.”

Approximately 63% of total deaths in India take place as a result of non-communicable disease, of which 27% are attributed to cardiovascular disease that impact 45% people in the 40 to 69 age group. Elevated blood pressure has emerged as one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Also, it remains inadequately controlled due to less awareness about hypertension, lack of adequate care through primary care, and poor follow up, added the WHO report.  

The Lancet review titled “New Drug Therapies For Hypertension” provides the recent evidence on latest medicines and reflects innovations that go beyond daily tablets. These treatments seek to target the underlying biology of elevated blood pressure rather than simply decreasing the figures and some have been designed to be taken occasionally while still maintaining steady control, according to a report in Business Standard.  

One of the medicines discussed is zilebesiran, an investigational therapy that uses small interfering RNA technology to block the production of angiotensinogen in the liver, which is a key component of the hormonal system that raises blood pressure. Early clinical data show that a single injection given under the skin can lower systolic blood pressure, pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and contracts, for up to six months. It implies patients may only require 2 injections a year to keep their blood pressure under control.

Clinical trials of investigational agents have shown that one subcutaneous injection can lower systolic blood pressure for up to six months. Mid-stage findings, some also reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated meaningful and sustained reductions, according to NDTV.

The review also indicates other new medicines in development that take different approaches:

• Ziltivekimab – a monoclonal antibody (laboratory-made protein designed to target a specific substance in the body) that targets inflammatory pathways linked to cardiovascular risk

• Selective aldosterone modulators – medications that inhibit the action of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure by managing sodium and potassium levels

While these therapies are still being studied and are not yet widely approved, they share a focus on precision treatment that addresses the root causes of hypertension. Together, they signal a more advanced and targeted era in blood pressure care, added the Business Standard report.

Is It Safe?

Initial trials indicate a favourable safety profile, however researchers claimed that hypertension is a lifelong condition and these therapies remain under clinical evaluation and are not yet ready to replace standard treatment. Long-term cardiovascular outcome studies and large-scale safety data will be essential before widespread rollout

Potential Benefits Of The Approach

Some of the key benefits of the approach will include decreased pill burned that can boost long-term adherence. It may lead to stable blood pressure levels for moths instead of few hours or day. It may also lead to simplified treatment schedules for older citizens and individuals grappling with various health problems. It may lead to decreased cardiovascular issues.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.