Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the long-term journey of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the hypertension treatment sector, highlighting the recent advancements and unmet needs in this area [3][4]. Group 1: Hypertension Overview - Hypertension affects approximately 1 billion people globally and has seen no significant breakthroughs in core treatment targets for over 40 years [4][5]. - It is a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality, with 10.8 million deaths attributed to high systolic blood pressure in 2019, accounting for about 20% of total deaths [6]. - The prevalence of hypertension is approximately 1.4 billion globally, with 80 million in the U.S. and 90 million in the EU, representing 31% and 24% of the adult population, respectively [6]. Group 2: Treatment Landscape - Current hypertension treatments include lifestyle changes, antihypertensive medications, and some devices [21]. - The article outlines the classification of hypertension into controlled and uncontrolled categories based on blood pressure readings and medication regimens [14]. - The recommended initial medications for hypertension treatment include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, thiazide diuretics, and calcium channel blockers [23]. Group 3: Recent Developments - The recent success of Mineralys in advancing hypertension treatment through innovative drug mechanisms has opened new possibilities in the field [4][5]. - The article discusses the concept of "aldosterone escape," where patients experience a rebound increase in aldosterone levels despite treatment, leading to resistant hypertension [36][39]. - Aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASI) are highlighted as a promising new class of drugs that can directly inhibit aldosterone production, addressing both RAAS and non-RAAS pathways [40][42]. Group 4: Mechanisms of Hypertension - The pathophysiology of hypertension involves multiple systems, including renal, vascular, neural, and the RAAS system, with obesity also playing a significant role [26][27]. - The article explains the mechanisms by which aldosterone contributes to hypertension, including both direct and indirect pathways [29][36]. Group 5: Clinical Implications - The article emphasizes the importance of accurate blood pressure measurement techniques to avoid misdiagnosis of hypertension, such as white coat hypertension and masked hypertension [18][20]. - It also discusses the need for personalized treatment goals based on individual patient circumstances, particularly for older adults or those with multiple comorbidities [20].
全球高血压用药史转折点:40年首个新靶点药物III期成功