A new clinical trial led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London suggests that one injection every six months can significantly lower blood pressure over time. The survey results are Japan Automobile Manufacturers Associationpoints to long-term treatment options that can improve how hypertension is managed.
The global study, called KARDIA-2, involved 663 adults with high blood pressure that was not well controlled with regular medications.
Clinical trial reveals additional benefits compared to standard treatment
Participants in the trial received injections of the investigational drug dilevesiran in addition to their existing blood pressure treatment. Researchers found that patients who received the injections alongside standard treatment experienced greater blood pressure reductions compared to patients who continued on standard treatment alone.
These results can have far-reaching implications. Around one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure and it is a major risk factor for serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke and death if not managed properly.
Expert insights on long-term treatment
Dr Manish Saxena, clinical co-director of the William Harvey Clinical Research Center at Queen Mary University of London and hypertension specialist at Barts Health NHS Trust, led the UK part of the study and is the senior author of the publication.
“Hypertension is a global health concern because blood pressure control rates remain low and it is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes. This study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of adding dilevesiran to commonly used first-line blood pressure-lowering drugs. The novelty of this treatment is its long duration. Millions of patients could potentially better manage their symptoms with just one injection every six months.”
How direvesiran works
Direvesiran is an investigational drug that uses RNA interference technology to lower blood pressure. It works by blocking the production of a protein (angiotensinogen) in the liver that plays an important role in regulating blood pressure. Reducing levels of this protein causes blood vessels to relax, leading to lower blood pressure. Treatment is given as a subcutaneous injection.
Next steps in treatment
Researchers are continuing to study dilevesiran in a follow-up phase 2 trial known as KARDIA-3. This study will look at whether this drug may benefit people with high blood pressure who also have cardiovascular disease, or who are at high risk of such disease.
In addition, a large-scale global outcomes study is planned for later this year. The trial will examine whether this treatment can reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including stroke and cardiovascular death.
Funding and clinical trial leadership
This study was funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Barts Health NHS Trust played a key role as the lead site for the trial and was the top enrollment center in Europe.
