Lemildipine Merck and Co Inc.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular pharmacology
• Neurology

Background:

• Lemildipine is a 1,4-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker.
• It is in phase III development for hypertension and cerebrovascular ischemia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of lemildipine in patients with essential hypertension and cerebrovascular disorder.
• To assess the effects of lemildipine on blood pressure, cerebral blood flow, and serum lipids.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of lemildipine at doses of 5 to 20 mg/day.
• Studies involved patients with essential hypertension, some with accompanying cerebrovascular disorder.

Main Results:

• Lemildipine significantly lowered blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
• Cerebral blood flow was increased in patients with cerebrovascular disorder.
• Lemildipine demonstrated significant pressure-lowering effects without affecting serum lipids.

Conclusions:

• Lemildipine is a promising therapeutic agent for hypertension.
• Its ability to improve cerebral blood flow warrants further investigation for cerebrovascular conditions.
• Lemildipine offers a favorable lipid profile compared to other antihypertensives.