High blood pressure is a common health issue that affects countless people worldwide. Managing it usually involves taking daily medication, which can be easy to forget in the rush of everyday life.
Unfortunately, skipping medication can lead to serious health risks, including strokes and heart attacks.
However, recent scientific developments suggest a new solution could be on the horizon—one that could significantly simplify managing high blood pressure.
This solution comes in the form of a single injection that could control blood pressure for up to six months.
The Challenges of Daily Medication
Currently, most people with high blood pressure must remember to take their medication every day. This routine can be hard to maintain, and statistics show that over half of those prescribed daily blood pressure medication do not take it consistently.
The consequences of poorly managed blood pressure are severe, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions.
Introducing Zilebesiran
In response to these challenges, researchers, including a team from the University of Edinburgh, have been testing a new drug called Zilebesiran.
This drug has shown promising results in initial trials conducted in the UK. Participants who received Zilebesiran experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure, which lasted for six months.
Zilebesiran works by reducing the force with which the heart pumps blood, thereby easing the pressure on blood vessels. This is crucial in preventing complications associated with high blood pressure.
Impressively, a single dose of Zilebesiran can lower blood pressure by more than 10 points, and the highest dose tested brought it down by over 20 points. This reduction is enough to move a patient from the high-risk category to a much safer level.
What makes Zilebesiran particularly innovative is its ability to maintain a stable blood pressure throughout the day. Blood pressure naturally fluctuates, so having it remain steady is highly beneficial.
How Does Zilebesiran Work?
Developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in the U.S., Zilebesiran targets a specific hormone called angiotensin, which tightens blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
Unlike other medications that also affect angiotensin, Zilebesiran blocks the production of a protein responsible for generating all forms of this hormone. It does this by using a method to switch off the gene that makes this protein, effectively halting its activity completely.
Looking Ahead: Safety and Approval
The initial study of Zilebesiran involved 107 patients, with 80 receiving the drug. The results were encouraging, with no significant adverse effects reported. However, more extensive research is needed to confirm its safety for long-term use.
Professor David Webb from the University of Edinburgh expressed optimism, noting that it has been nearly two decades since a new type of blood pressure medication was introduced.
The potential for Zilebesiran to effectively lower blood pressure with just one injection every six months is a significant advancement.
While more studies are required to ensure the drug’s safety and efficacy, the prospect of replacing daily pills with a semi-annual injection offers a promising future for millions suffering from high blood pressure.
This development not only represents a potential leap in treatment effectiveness but also significantly eases the daily burden for those affected by this chronic condition.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about unhealthy habits that may increase high blood pressure risk, and drinking green tea could help lower blood pressure.
For more information about high blood pressure, please see recent studies about what to eat or to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
