Can allisartan isoproxil prevent organ damage in patients with hypertension?

This study investigated the effects of allisartan isoproxil on blood pressure (BP) and organ damage in patients with hypertension. They found that this treatment improved BP control and was protective of organs. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). One type of medication to manage BP are angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). These drugs lower BP and can protect organs from damage due to high BP. One commonly prescribed ARB is losartan (Cozaar). When losartan is administered, the body breaks it down into smaller compounds. These are called metabolites. One of the losartan’s metabolites is called EXP3174. This reduces BP. The pathway that breaks down losartan to EXP3174 is used by many drugs. As a result, losartan may interfere with other drugs. 

Allisartan isoproxil is a new ARB. EXP3174 is also its main metabolite. Allisartan isoproxil is broken down to EXP3174 via a different pathway. This means that this drug is less likely to interact with other drugs. The effectiveness of Allisartan isoproxil on BP reduction and protection against organ damage remains under investigation.

This study included 80 patients with mild-moderate hypertension. Patients were randomly assigned to either Allisartan isoproxil or nifedipine. Nifedipine is a drug that reduces blood pressure by blocking calcium-channels in the artery muscle. Patients were assessed at the beginning and end of the study. The trial lasted 6 months. BP and left ventricular remodeling (LVR) were assessed. LVR involves changes in the structure of the heart caused by high BP. Kidney function was also assessed. 

BP was reduced after treatment in patients treated with both allisartan isoproxil and nifedipine. LVR was significantly lower in allisartan isoproxil-treated patients at the end of the trial. Allisartan isoproxil treatment was associated with improvements in indicators of organ damage. These included kidney function, artery stiffness, inflammation, and oxidative stress. 

The authors concluded that allisartan isoproxil improved BP control and was protective against organ damage.

Additional studies are needed comparing allisartan isoproxil to other ARBs. 

If you have any concerns regarding hypertension treatment, please consult with your physician.