Many approaches have been explored in recent years to make life easier for patients living with chronic conditions
One such novel approach is siRNS – small interfering RNA with a long half life
The benefit of a new therapeutic siRNS called zilebesiran administered subcutaneously – in treating high blood pressure is currently in a phase 2 clinical trial
How does it work -the ones strand of the RNA binds to a specific area of the RNA to prevent synthesis of the precursor peptide of angiotensin, which is angiotensinogen .
In a nutshell this reduces the production of Angiotensin I and II (these molecules cause high blood pressure), so less of them circulating around thus reduces blood pressure.
This is extremely powerful as after a single dose of zilebesiran there is a reduction of >90% of angiotensinogen (the precursor of Angiotensin I and II) – over a 6 month period.
The idea is this leads to a reduction in chronic medication use and less variability in blood pressure response .
This kind of medication would not be useful for people presenting with a hypertensive crisis . This crisis needs to be treated with more immediate action medication .
This approach , although still in clinical trials phase has the potential to shake up how we treat patients in the cardiovascular field …