Repurposing Valsartan May Protect Against Pulmonary Hypertension
University of Washington
Summary
This is a Phase 2, single-center, randomized placebo controlled trial of valsartan (an angiotensin receptor blocker) in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The study will evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a 24-week course of valsartan.
Description
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one of many conditions that put stress and strain on the right side of the heart. This stress and strain can cause right heart failure. Although there are medications to treat PAH, there are currently no medications that act directly on the heart to improve right heart function. This is different than left heart failure where one of the cornerstones of treatment is medication targeted at the heart to improve left heart function. Valsartan is a well-tolerated and inexpensive medication that is currently used to treat hypertension and left heart failure.…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Male or female, age 18 to 80 2. WHO Group 1 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension 3. NYHA Functional Class II, III, or IV at screening (Appendix 2 for Functional Class Decision Aid) 4. Right heart catheterization within five years demonstrating a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of ≥25 mmHg, occlusion pressure of ≤15 mmHg, and resistance ≥ 3 wood units 5. Participants with a right heart catheterization within five years demonstrating a mean pulmonary arterial pressure of ≥ 25 mmHg and occlusion pressure of 15 - 20 mmHg will be considered for inclusion if the pulmonary vascula…
Interventions
- DrugValsartan 40 mg
Valsartan 40mg twice daily for 24 weeks.
- DrugPlacebo
Placebo twice daily for 24 weeks.
Location
- University of Washington Medical CenterSeattle, Washington