Will new antihypertensive drugs emerge? Part 1

Abstract

Even though there are numerous hypotensive preparations available on the market, the effectiveness of the therapy of arterial hypertension is still highly unsatisfactory. The effectiveness of the therapy would certainly be enhanced by the introduction of new antihypertensive drugs. Our work outlines currently-studied pathophysiological mechanisms, knowledge of which may improve synthesis and introduce new hypotensive drugs into the pharmaceutical market. We further describe innovative chemical compounds that have a chance to expand the pharmacological potential of the arterial hypertension therapy in the near future. In particular, the research briefly presents compounds that demonstrate the agonist-like activity to angiotensin 1–7, inhibiting biosynthesis or blocking endothelin receptors and inhibitors of the cerebral aminopeptidase and vascular oxidase. Finally the research introduces new preparations that open the potassium channel and release nitric oxide. The second part of the work briefly outlines the study of the compounds demonstrating a simultaneous effect on two metabolic pathways leading to the reduction of blood pressure. For example, preparations that have a simultaneous effect on both, the angiotensin converting enzyme and the natriuretic peptide synthesis, or drugs from the calcium antagonists group, which inhibit both the L-type and T-type calcium channels. The described preparations are at different stages of the pharmacological and clinical studies; however, it may be expected that at least some of them will be applied in the therapy of arterial hypertension in the relatively near future.
Arterial Hypertension 2010, vol. 14, no 4, pages 235-252.