A new blood pressure medication will soon be produced

Research is currently experimenting with a drug and using more sophisticated methods in Anserm. Researchers have proved that humans are tolerant and well tolerated. It is not yet time to prove that it is effective

French researchers are testing a new antihypertensive drug that inhibits the action of an enzyme involved in hypertension. In France, more than 10% of the population would be affected by high blood pressure

Hypertension affects about one-third of people over the age of 50 and is one of the leading causes of consultation in general practice. As its name suggests, it is defined by high blood pressure (or blood pressure). Over time, it damages the arteries, shortens the heart and can lead to many cardiovascular problems. In general, doctors advocate a low salt diet and encourage weight loss in case of overweight. These healthy eating habits can also be accompanied by medication.

In a study published in the journal Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Inserm researchers have just developed a new antihypertensive drug called RB150 / QGC001, which has a different mode of action than other drugs. It inhibits aminopeptidase A, an enzyme that converts angiotensin II into the brain into angiotensin III. The second boosts blood pressure in three different ways. It increases blood levels of an antidiuretic hormone called vasopressin, improves the activity of sympathetic neurons associated with vessel vasoconstriction, and inhibits baroreflex, a physiological response that lowers blood pressure. "These three mechanisms contribute, independently of each other, to increase blood pressure," says Catherine Llorens-Cortes, co-author of the study.blood pressure

The blood pressure monitor is used to calculate the blood pressure (or blood pressure). The tensions are expressed in millimeters of mercury (Hg). Physicians consider that there is high blood pressure for systolic bloodpressure values ​​above 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure above 90 mmHg.

Antihypertensive with novel mode of action

The new antihypertensive, by blocking the synthesis of angiotensin III, should therefore limit the risk of hypertension in humans. "It's a bit of a three-in-one medicine," says the researcher. The molecule is currently actively developing. Phase I has just ended with convincing results on healthy volunteers. This step consisted in verifying the good tolerance of the administered molecule in a single dose (phase Ia) then in repeated doses for seven days (phase Ib). In both studies, the drug was well tolerated, which opens the door to a Phase IIa clinical trial in hypertensive patients.

This new step involves comparing the efficacy and safety of the new inhibitor with that of a placebo and an already known antihypertensive drug. The results will be available at the end of 2015. In the meantime, the team of Catherine Llorens-Cortes continues to search for new and more effective It is very possible that aminopeptidase A helps inhibitors of hypertensive patients better control the condition.