Atefeh Saljoughian Esfahani
1 
, Yasaman Vahdani
2 , Payam Peymani
3, Soha Razmjouei
4 , Mahdieh Ahmadnia
5 , Hadi Taghavinejad
6 , Jyoti Baharani
7 , Maryam Bakhshi
8* 1 Islamic Azad University of Najaf Abad, Medical Department Affiliated Hospitals, Isfahan, Iran
2 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
3 College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
4 Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, OH, USA
5 Redland Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
6 Independent Researcher, Anesthetist and Critical Care Specialist, 58/44, Sturegen Street, Ormiston, Brisbane, Queensland 4160, Australia
7 University Hospitals Birmingham B95SS, Birmingham, United Kingdom
8 Nickan Research Institute, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Given the pressing need for new medications with minimal adverse effects to address uncontrolled hypertension, this manuscript explores the potential of Zilebesiran as a crucial therapeutic agent. Zilebesiran is an experimental RNA interference drug that shows promise in effectively treating high blood pressure (BP) by decreasing the production of angiotensinogen, a key factor in high BP. It does this by targeting the levels of liver angiotensinogen messenger RNA (mRNA). In a study, a single injection of Zilebesiran demonstrated a noteworthy reduction in BP in individuals with mild-to-moderate hypertension, with sustained effects observed for up to 6 months. Those administered with Zilebesiran were more likely to achieve a 24-hour mean systolic BP of less than 130 mm Hg compared to the control group. The sustained reduction in BP implies that Zilebesiran holds the potential for maintaining consistent BP control, enhancing treatment adherence due to infrequent dosing, and improving outcomes for individuals with hypertension. However, it is important to note that the safety and efficacy of Zilebesiran have yet to be evaluated by regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, or other health authorities. Ongoing research, exemplified by the KARDIA-2 trial, aims to further assess the efficacy and safety of Zilebesiran as a concomitant therapy for adults with hypertension not adequately controlled by standard treatments.
Implication for health policy/practice/research/medical education:
By inhibiting angiotensinogen, Zilebesiran aims to lower blood pressure (BP) levels in individuals with hypertension. Clinical trials have shown promising results, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing BP. However, further research and testing are still necessary to fully understand the safety and long-term effects of the treatment.
Please cite this paper as: Saljoughian Esfahani A, Vahdani Y, Peymani P, Razmjouei S, Ahmadnia M, Taghavinejad H, Baharani J, Bakhshi M. Zilebesiran for treating hypertension; the result of recent findings. J Nephropathol. 2024;13(3):e22542. DOI: 10.34172/jnp.2024.22542.