Dual neurohormonal intervention in CV disease: angiotensin receptor and Neprilysin inhibition.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 30% of all deaths, with elevated blood pressure probably the most important modifiable risk factor. Worldwide, elevated blood pressure is estimated to cause 7.5 million deaths, about 12.8% of the total of all annual deaths. New drugs with different efficacy and effectiveness to control cardiovascular and renal disease are always welcomed.

AREAS COVERED: Adequate control of arterial hypertension is needed in order to reduce the consequences of cardiovascular and renal disease. A novel compound, LCZ696 , is currently in development based on the concept of comprising in the same entity a Neprilysin inhibitor, with a renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor, in this case an angiotensin receptor blocker. This review, performed in PubMed including the last five years under the keywords cited below, presents the available data about LCZ696, the first-in-class angiotensin receptor Neprilysin inhibitor.

EXPERT OPINION: Available data show that positive efficacy and a good tolerability profile of LCZ696 in the treatment of arterial hypertension as well as preliminary data indicate that it can also be useful in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. These data are particularly promising in the treatment of arterial hypertension.