Angiotensin II acetate (Giapreza) for vasopressor resistant hypotension due to distributive shock

Angiotensin II acetate is in clinical development for the treatment of catecholamine and/or vasopressin resistant hypotension due to distributive shock. Shock is a critical condition in which blood pressure drops so low that the brain, kidneys and other vital organs cannot receive enough blood flow to function properly. Distributive shock is the most common type of shock that is most commonly caused by bacterial or fungal infection (septic shock) or allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock). Severe shock is usually treated with drugs called catecholamines or vasopressin. Shock that does not respond to treatment with these drugs is resistant shock.
This medicinal product is a formulation of synthetic angiotensin II administered by intravenous infusion. Angiotensin II is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood pressure by attaching to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, causing the blood vessels to narrow, increasing sodium and water retention and increasing aldosterone and vasopressin release, all of which increase blood pressure. If licensed, angiotensin II acetate may provide a treatment option for people with refractory shock who do not have any other treatment options.