Open AccessReview: Vasopeptidase inhibitors in heart failure
Author(s) -
Adelle Dawson,
Allan D. Struthers
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
jraas. journal of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system/journal of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1752-8976
pISSN - 1470-3203
DOI - 10.3317/jraas.2002.035
Subject(s) - enalapril , heart failure , medicine , ace inhibitor , angiotensin converting enzyme , pharmacology , cardiology , blood pressure
Considerable attention has recently focused on the vasopeptidase inhibitors (VPI), a new class of drug that combines angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor activity with inhibition of natriuretic peptide breakdown. In theory, a drug with these properties may be beneficial both in hypertension and in heart failure. Whilst the efficacy of VPIs in hypertension has been consistently demonstrated in pre-clinical and clinical studies, the role of VPIs, if any, in heart failure is less clear, since numerous small studies have produced conflicting results. Furthermore, preliminary results from the recently completed Omapatrilat Versus Enalapril Randomised Trial of Utility in Reducing Events (OVERTURE) study have failed to establish the VPI, omapatrilat, as a first line therapy in the treatment of chronic heart failure. We review the literature on VPIs in heart failure and discuss possible reasons for the reported lack of benefit over ACE inhibitors.