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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
Renin inhibitors, clinical experience.
Dirk Westermann1, Roland Schmieder, Heinz-Peter Schultheiss
1Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, Berlin, Germany.
Direct renin inhibitors, like aliskiren, offer a new way to manage high blood pressure. Clinical trials show their potential in treating hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a key target for managing arterial hypertension.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are established RAS inhibitors with proven benefits in reducing blood pressure, preventing end-organ damage, and decreasing mortality.
- Early attempts at direct renin inhibition were limited by poor bioavailability and short duration of action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical trials of aliskiren, a novel direct renin inhibitor.
- To discuss the current role of aliskiren in treating arterial hypertension.
- To explore potential new applications for aliskiren in heart failure and diabetic nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical studies involving aliskiren.
- Analysis of aliskiren's efficacy and safety in arterial hypertension.
- Exploration of preclinical and clinical data for heart failure and diabetic nephropathy.
Main Results:
- Aliskiren represents a new class of orally available, non-peptide direct renin inhibitors.
- Clinical trials have evaluated aliskiren's effectiveness in patients with arterial hypertension.
- Emerging data suggests potential benefits in managing heart failure and diabetic nephropathy.
Conclusions:
- Aliskiren provides a third distinct mechanism for inhibiting the renin-angiotensin system.
- Aliskiren is established in the contemporary treatment of arterial hypertension.
- Further research is warranted to define the role of aliskiren in heart failure and diabetic nephropathy.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Antihypertensive Drugs: Potassium-Sparing Diuretics
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
