Biannual Long-Acting Injection Shows Promise in Managing Resistant Hypertension

Recent findings from a clinical trial conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London highlight the potential of a new treatment approach for individuals with high blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite standard therapies. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), demonstrates that administering an injection every six months can lead to significant and sustained reductions in blood pressure levels.

The global KARDIA-2 trial involved 663 participants with hypertension inadequate response to traditional medications. Participants received zilebesiran, an investigational drug based on RNA interference technology, alongside their existing treatment. The results indicated that adding zilebesiran significantly improved blood pressure control compared to standard medication alone.

Hypertension affects approximately one in three adults in the UK, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events if not properly managed. The current study's lead investigator, Dr. Manish Saxena, emphasized the importance of this breakthrough: "The long duration of action with just one injection every six months could revolutionize hypertension management and improve outcomes for millions."

Zilebesiran works by blocking the production of angiotensinogen in the liver, a precursor in blood vessel constriction processes. This mechanism promotes blood vessel relaxation, leading to lower blood pressure. The treatment is administered via subcutaneous injection and is being explored further in Phase 2 studies and large-scale outcome trials to assess its efficacy in broader patient populations including those with established cardiovascular disease.

Looking ahead, researchers plan to evaluate whether zilebesiran can prevent cardiovascular events such as strokes and heart attacks, potentially offering a long-term solution for resistant hypertension management.

This promising development underscores the ongoing advances in targeted therapies for complex health conditions, aiming to improve patient adherence and health outcomes.

[source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-month-lowers-blood-pressure-patients.html]