Omapatrilat: a unique new agent for the treatment of cardiovascular disease

Omapatrilat is the most clinically advanced of a new class of drugs, vasopeptidase inhibitors, which are being studied for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease. Omapatrilat inhibits the enzymatic activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase. The end result is blockade of angiotensin-II formation and inhibition of the catabolism of vasodilatory hormones, such as the natriuretic peptides, bradykinin, and adrenomedullin. Some of the ultimate pharmacologic effects include vasodilation, natriuresis, and diuresis, which may be beneficial in the management of various cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and heart failure. The pharmacokinetics of omapatrilat are compatible with once-daily dosing and a duration of antihypertensive efficacy of more than 24 hours. Omapatrilat decreases blood pressure in both high-renin and low-renin states, which suggests antihypertensive efficacy that is independent of the status of the renin-angiotensin system. Furthermore, the antihypertensive effect of omapatrilat is indiscriminate of age or race. Omapatrilat has consistently shown efficacy in decreasing both systolic and diastolic blood pressure to a similar or greater extent than either lisinopril or amlodipine; however, systolic pressure is more responsive to omapatrilat treatment than diastolic pressure. Although the role of omapatrilat in heart failure is still evolving, preliminary results are promising: hemodynamic improvements and clinical benefits of omapatrilat are similar or greater to those achieved with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. Future studies (specifically the OVERTURE Study) will be of pivotal importance in establishing the role of omapatrilat in the treatment of patients with heart failure. The side-effect and drug-interaction profiles of omapatrilat are largely incomplete, but suggest excellent tolerability and a side-effect profile that is similar to placebo. Omapatrilat could be a revolutionary addition to the management of cardiovascular disease, and its clinical development will be followed closely by many who are curious if larger clinical trials will echo the impressive preliminary data that have been seen thus far.