Riociguat as a treatment regime for pulmonary arterial hypertension: a review

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life-threatening condition distinguished by elevated pressure of pulmonary arteries and increased vascular resistance. The management of patients with PAH and CTEPH has advanced rapidly over last decade but despite the progress in the treatment, the survival of suffering patients remain unsatisfactory and there is no cure for the diseases. However, surgery is not a first choice for patients. Furthermore, some patients who undergo surgery have persistent pulmonary hypertension (HTN) as a side effect after surgery. Therefore, the search for an “ideal” therapy still goes on and it lead to the approval of riociguat as a potential agent for the treatment. It acts directly on soluble guanylate cyclase, exciting the enzyme, and elevating sensitivity to lower levels of NO. Riociguat, therefore, has potential as a novel therapy for PAH and CTEPH. This review is focused on various aspects of the recently approved “riociguat” including its efficacy and safety profiles with the clinical data highlighting its importance in the present scenario.

• Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
• guanylate cyclase
• pulmonary arterial hypertension
• riociguat
• pulmonary endarterectomy

Acknowledgements

We are heartily thankful to GOD for giving such a great opportunity. Next we are grateful to Shri Parveen Garg (Chairman), Prof. K. L. Dhar, I.S.F. College of Pharmacy, Ferozepur Road, Moga 142001, India, for their necessary support and motivation.

Declaration of interest

The authors confirm that this article content has no conflicts of interest.