Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine
Published on: July 7, 2016
Neprilysin Inhibition and the Treatment of Heart Failure: Recent Steps in the Right Direction
Nicholas Bartell1, William H Frishman
1From the *Departments of Medicine, University of Rochester/Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester, NY; and †New York Medical College/Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY.
Insights
Neprilysin inhibition shows promise for heart failure treatment, overcoming past challenges. The PARADIGM-HF trial
Area of Science:
- Cardiology and Pharmacology
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- The natriuretic peptide system has been a target for heart failure (HF) treatment for over 30 years.
- Neprilysin inhibition, a strategy targeting this system, has faced significant historical setbacks in HF therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development of targeting the natriuretic peptide system for HF.
- To examine the evolution of neprilysin inhibition research in heart failure.
- To highlight the impact of recent positive trial results on future clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical investigations into the natriuretic peptide system.
- Analysis of studies on neprilysin inhibition for heart failure.
- Focus on the PARADIGM-HF trial's methodology and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Previous attempts at neprilysin inhibition for heart failure yielded numerous setbacks.
- The PARADIGM-HF trial demonstrated favorable outcomes, suggesting clinical efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Positive results from the PARADIGM-HF trial may establish neprilysin inhibition as a mainstream heart failure treatment.
- Further research is planned to explore future directions for neprilysin inhibition in cardiovascular medicine.
Abstract:
Numerous investigators have attempted to target the natriuretic peptide system in the treatment of heart failure since it was first described over 30 years ago. The history of neprilysin inhibition as a treatment for heart failure has been characterized by numerous setbacks. Recently, the PARADIGM-HF trial has shown favorable results, which may bring neprilysin inhibition into the mainstream of clinical practice. This article will review the history of the natriuretic peptide system and the investigations into it as a target for heart failure treatment, culminating in the positive results of the PARADIGM-HF trial, as well as planned and potential future directions for research.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Heart Failure Drugs: β-Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
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...

