Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Increasing Pulmonary Artery Pulsatile Flow Improves Hypoxic Pulmonary Hypertension in Piglets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Riociguat for pulmonary hypertension.
David Pitonzo1, Mark E Archambault
1David Pitonzo is director of didactic education and an associate professor in the PA program at High Point (N.C.) University. Mark E. Archambault is director of research and an associate professor in the PA program at High Point University and editor of this department. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Riociguat is a new FDA-approved drug for pulmonary hypertension (PH) groups 1 and 4. It offers a new treatment option, particularly for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) where other vasodilators have limited effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary hypertension (PH) encompasses various conditions affecting lung vasculature.
- Group 1 PH includes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
- Group 4 PH is chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), a distinct and often progressive form.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce Riociguat as a novel therapeutic agent for specific pulmonary hypertension groups.
- To address the unmet need for effective treatments in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
- To highlight Riociguat's potential role where existing vasodilators show limited efficacy.
Main Methods:
- FDA approval signifies rigorous evaluation of safety and efficacy.
- Clinical trials assessed Riociguat's impact on patients with Group 1 and Group 4 PH.
- Comparative effectiveness against existing vasodilators in CTEPH was a key consideration.
Main Results:
- Riociguat has received FDA approval for treating Group 1 and Group 4 pulmonary hypertension.
- Demonstrated efficacy in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
- Offers a therapeutic advance for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients.
Conclusions:
- Riociguat represents a significant advancement in pulmonary hypertension management.
- Provides a new therapeutic option for patients with Group 1 and Group 4 PH.
- Addresses a critical treatment gap in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).
Related Concept Videos
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
Among the PDE5 inhibitors, sildenafil (Revatio) stands out as a competitive and selective inhibitor. It operates by elevating cellular levels of cGMP and augmenting signaling through the cGMP-PKG pathway, promoting vasodilation. Upon oral...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Calcium Channel Blockers
TKIs, such as imatinib (Gleevec), are particularly effective in tackling the growth and mitogenic factors that become upregulated in PAH patients. These factors contribute to the...
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

