Evaluating the evidence for sacubitril/valsartan across the continuum of heart failure

Preston T Skersick1,2, Darrian Proco2, Preetika Sharma-Huynh3

  • 1UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.

Pharmacotherapy
|September 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sacubitril/valsartan is now recommended for more heart failure (HF) patients, including those with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and after hospitalization for acute decompensated HF. This review summarizes recent trials and guidelines for optimal sacubitril/valsartan use.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan's use in heart failure (HF) has expanded since the PARADIGM-HF trial.
  • Previous research focused mainly on HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) post hoc analyses.
  • A gap existed in understanding sacubitril/valsartan's utility in diverse HF subpopulations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent clinical trials and guideline updates for sacubitril/valsartan.
  • To summarize evidence on sacubitril/valsartan in additional HF subpopulations.
  • To examine studies on treatment initiation, titration, and cost-effectiveness.

Main Methods:

  • Review of 15 studies, including clinical trials and post hoc analyses.
  • Inclusion of data on HF subpopulations: HFrEF post-hospitalization, advanced HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF post-myocardial infarction.
  • Examination of studies on timing, dosing, and cost-effectiveness, plus ongoing trials.

Main Results:

  • Sacubitril/valsartan efficacy demonstrated in HFrEF post-hospitalization and HFpEF.
  • Evidence supports expanded use in HF post-myocardial infarction.
  • Studies provide insights into optimal initiation timing, dose titration, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Recent evidence supports broader application of sacubitril/valsartan across various HF patient groups.
  • Guideline recommendations have evolved, reflecting expanded indications.
  • This review aids clinicians in optimizing sacubitril/valsartan utilization in practice.

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