The NEW-HOPE study and emerging therapies for difficult-to-control and resistant hypertension

Despite the availability of numerous approved antihypertensive drugs, difficult-to-control and resistant hypertension are persistent and are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Emerging and investigational treatments that are currently being explored to target hypertension include firibrastat, empagliflozin and interventional procedures, including improved approaches to renal artery denervation and a novel baroreceptor device implantation. Firibrastat is an investigational drug that specifically and selectively inhibits aminopeptidase A leading to decreased formation of angiotensin III in the brain, resulting in decreased blood pressure. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, such as empagliflozin used to treat type 2 diabetes, may be beneficial as antihypertensive agents. Empagliflozin in a recent study demonstrated significant reductions in high blood pressure in an African American population. Advances in renal artery denervation and an investigational baroreceptor device implantation also show promise as potential interventions in patients with difficult-to-control and resistant hypertension.