Two injections a year: scientists present a new antihypertensive drug

The results of a clinical trial conducted by scientists from Queen Mary University of London (UK) show that injections of a new drug every six months can lead to significant and sustained reductions in blood pressure. The global KARDIA-2 trial involved 663 individuals with high blood pressure whose condition was poorly controlled with standard medications. During the trial, patients were given an injection of a drug called zilebesiran along with standard treatment. Researchers found that this injection helped control blood pressure better than using standard treatment with indapamide, amlodipine or olmesartan alone.

Zilebeziran is an innovative drug based on RNA interference technology (gene activity control system) whose action is to reduce angiotensinogen levels in the liver. This leads to a decrease in the formation of angiotensin II, a key component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system responsible for the increase in blood pressure. Zilebesiran is administered subcutaneously and provides a long-lasting reduction in blood pressure, reducing the frequency of the drug to once or twice a year. The compound was developed by US biotechnology company Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In July 2023, Roche partnered with Alnylam to jointly develop and commercialize zilebesiran, investing $310 million in the project.

Zilebesiran has undergone several clinical trials. Phase 1 studies have shown that a single injection of the drug can reduce systolic blood pressure by 22 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg for up to six months. Phase 2 results (KARDIA-1 and KARDIA-2) showed significant reductions in blood pressure when zilebesiran was used as monotherapy and in combination with standard antihypertensive drugs. During the final phase (KARDIA-3), scientists plan to study the efficacy and safety of the compound in patients at high cardiovascular risk, including those with chronic kidney disease.