Aliskiren: a renin inhibitor offering a new approach for the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

In recent years, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system has been shown to be crucial not only in blood pressure haemostasis but also in the evolution of atherosclerosis, which ultimately determines morbidity and mortality. The angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and, recently, the angiotensin receptor blockers (with their low adverse-effect profile) have added a new dimension to the drug treatment of hypertension. Just a decade after the introduction of angiotensin receptor blockers, physicians treating hypertension are now offered another exciting approach to achieving blockade of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system through the inhibition of renin. This review outlines the background evidence for aliskiren, the first orally active renin inhibitor.

Keywords::

• aliskiren
• hypertension
• RAAS
• renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system
• renin inhibition

Acknowledgements

The clinical trials conducted by the author’s department on aliskiren were supported by Speedel Pharma AG.

Notes