Bayer, the pharmaceutical and chemical company, has recently received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for two different drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension (PH).

PH is a rare but serious condition that affects the arteries in the lungs and the right side of the heart. The two drugs, Adempas and Riociguat, have been shown to improve the quality of life and ability to exercise for people with PH.

What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

PH is a chronic and progressive disease that occurs when the blood vessels in the lungs become narrowed, blocked or destroyed. This results in increased pressure in the lungs, which makes it harder for blood to flow through them.

As a result, the right side of the heart has to work harder to pump blood into the lungs, which can eventually lead to right-sided heart failure. Symptoms of PH include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and dizziness, and there is currently no cure for the disease.

Adempas (Riociguat)

Adempas is a medication that works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and increasing the supply of nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a naturally occurring gas that helps to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Adempas is a tablet that is taken orally and is approved to treat two different types of PH: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

The FDA approval of Adempas was based on the results of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 455 patients with PAH and 261 patients with CTEPH.

The trials found that patients who were given Adempas had improved exercise capacity and reduced symptoms of PH compared to those who received a placebo.

Riociguat (Adempas)

Riociguat is a medication that works by stimulating an enzyme called soluble guanylate cyclase, which produces cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP helps to relax the muscles in the walls of blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Riociguat is also a tablet that is taken orally and is approved to treat two different types of PH: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

The FDA approval of Riociguat was based on the results of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 845 patients with PAH and 261 patients with CTEPH.

The trials found that patients who were given Riociguat had improved exercise capacity and reduced symptoms of PH compared to those who received a placebo.

Adverse Effects

Like all medications, Adempas and Riociguat can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Adempas include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

The most common side effects of Riociguat include headache, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. Patients taking these medications should talk to their doctor about any side effects they experience.

Conclusion

Bayer’s recent FDA approval of two different drugs to treat PH is a significant development for people with the disease.

Adempas and Riociguat have been shown to improve exercise capacity and reduce symptoms of PH, which can greatly improve the quality of life for patients. However, it is important for patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to determine if these medications are appropriate for their individual case, and to monitor their symptoms and side effects over time.