Inhaled treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension

Abstract

Treprostinil is a prostacyclin derivative approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension by intravenous, subcutaneous and inhalational administration. Unlike its precursor epoprostenol, treprostinil is chemically stable at room temperature and neutral pH, and its plasma half-life is longer. In addition to promoting smooth muscle relaxation in the pulmonary vasculature, treprostinil has suppressive effects on platelet aggregation, smooth muscle proliferation and inflammation. A Phase III study, investigating the addition of inhaled treprostinil to oral bosentan or sildenafil, confirmed significant improvements in exercise capacity and quality of life. This review examines the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of inhaled treprostinil for use in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Keywords::

• administration
• analogs and derivatives
• epoprostenol
• inhalation
• pulmonary arterial hypertension
• pulmonary circulation
• treprostinil

Financial & competing interests disclosure

R Channick has consulted for and/or received research grants from companies that produce treatments for pulmonary hypertension, including Actelion, Bayer, Novartis and United Therapeutics. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.