A Promising Vaccine against Hypertension: Results from a Phase II Trial
An investigational vaccine against angiotensin II being tested by Cytos Biotechnology is showing promise. Results from an exploratory Phase IIa trial were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2007 [1] this month. CYT006-AngQb is a virus-like particle-based conjugate vaccine and is indicated for patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Preliminary results show “a significant reduction of daytime ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and a marked reduction in the early morning hours, when most adverse cardiovascular events occur.” [2]
Currently available antihypertensive drugs have a short half-life and must be taken on a daily basis. CYT006-AngQb has the advantage of producing extended antibody response with a half-life of about 4 months [2, 3].
In addition to a good efficacy profile, CYT006-AngQb was reported to be well-tolerated. The most common adverse events reported were pain, erythema, or edema at the injection site, and headache. All events were transient and no drug-related adverse events were reported during the 12-month follow-up period [3].
If approved, the vaccine would be a major breakthrough in the long-term management of hypertension.
Sources:
2 Medscape
No Comments
Be the first to comment!