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LCZ 696 (Valsartan/Sacubitril) – A Possible New Treatment for Hypertension and Heart Failure
Author(s) -
Andersen Mathilde Borring,
Simonsen Ulf,
Wehland Markus,
Pietsch Jessica,
Grimm Daniela
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
basic and clinical pharmacology and toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.805
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1742-7843
pISSN - 1742-7835
DOI - 10.1111/bcpt.12453
Subject(s) - medicine , heart failure , sacubitril , valsartan , ejection fraction , sacubitril, valsartan , blood pressure , cardiology , heart failure with preserved ejection fraction , angiotensin receptor , natriuretic peptide , angiotensin ii , pharmacology
The aim of this MiniReview was to introduce the newly invented dual‐acting drug valsartan/sacubitril ( LCZ 696), which combines an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) with sacubitril, a specific inhibitor of the neutral endopeptidase ( NEP ) that degrades vasoactive peptides, including natriuretic peptides ANP and BNP , but also glucagon, enkephalins and bradykinin, among others. The MiniReview presents the data of four available trials NCT 01193101, NCT 00549770, NCT 00887588 and NCT 01035255 and provides the current knowledge about LCZ 696 effects in patients with hypertension and heart failure. Presently, patients suffering from hypertension and heart failure are treated with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists often in combination with other drugs. These current medications lead to a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive patients and a decreased mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, but not in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. LCZ 696 had been tested to utilize the beneficial properties of natriuretic peptides in combination with angiotensin receptor antagonism. It induces even greater blood pressure reductions and decreased mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, while patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction show lowered blood pressure and decreased NT ‐pro‐ BNP levels. Although long‐term studies remain to be performed, these initial data suggest that there is a potential clinical benefit of LCZ 696 in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure.