Aprocitentan for treating resistant hypertension

Aprocitentan is in clinical development for the treatment of resistant (difficult to control) hypertension (high blood pressure). The causes of high blood pressure are not always clear, but the risks are increased by factors such as being overweight, eating too much salt and lack of exercise. Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains high even after using three or more different types of medication. It does not necessarily have symptoms until it is severe, and when symptoms occur, they include headaches, shortness of breath, chest pain and nosebleeds. Resistant hypertension can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. By definition, it is resistant to current medications and therefore there is a need for new treatments.