New Gene Therapy Drug Shows Promise in Treating High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as the “silent killer”, affects approximately 18% of Italians and is a major public health concern due to its long-term cardiovascular complications. While drug therapy is the standard treatment for hypertension, poor adherence to medication remains a significant challenge, with around 50% of patients discontinuing treatment within a year.
However, a new gene therapy drug called Zilebesiran may offer a promising solution. The results of the KARDIA-2 study, presented at the American College of Cardiology congress, have shown that Zilebesiran can effectively reduce blood pressure levels in patients who do not respond well to traditional therapies. The drug works by blocking the production of angiotensinogen, a protein that plays a key role in raising blood pressure.
Zilebesiran is administered through a simple subcutaneous injection, with a single dose providing long-lasting effects for up to 6 months. This innovative approach not only simplifies treatment for patients but also improves compliance and quality of life. The drug has been found to be safe, with mild and temporary side effects.
Despite these promising results, Zilebesiran is still in development and will not be available for several years. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in the long term. However, the initial findings suggest that Zilebesiran could revolutionize the treatment of hypertension and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Pasquale Perrone Filardi, an expert in cardiovascular diseases, commented on the study results, stating that the reduction in systolic blood pressure seen in patients treated with Zilebesiran is significant and long-lasting. These findings may pave the way for a new era of biological drugs in the treatment of hypertension.
While Zilebesiran’s arrival on the market is still a few years away, the potential benefits it offers for patients with high blood pressure are undoubtedly encouraging. This new gene therapy drug could be a game-changer in the fight against hypertension, offering a more effective and convenient treatment option for patients in need.
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