Treprostinil for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension


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Therapeutic Areas: Cardiovascular System
Year: 2020

Treprostinil is in clinical development for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). CTEPH is a progressive disease caused by blood clots forming in the lungs that do not dissolve. These clots restrict blood flow through the lungs and cause scar tissue to form on the inside of the pulmonary arteries (arteries that supply the lungs) resulting in pulmonary hypertension. This means the heart has to work harder to pump the blood and can weaken the heart muscles. Some patients may be offered surgery to remove the scar tissue but in patients who are inoperable or who have persistent/recurrent CTEPH after surgery there is a need for additional treatment options.

Treprostinil is given by subcutaneous infusion and works by causing blood vessels to widen to reduce arterial pressure and it also acts to stop platelets sticking together to reduce the formation of blood clots. Treprostinil may offer an additional treatment option for patients with CTEPH who are unsuitable for surgery or who have persistent/recurrent CTEPH following surgery.