Thursday, 18 September 2025

Zilebesiran – siRNA for Blood Pressure Control

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common cardiovascular risk factors worldwide. Despite the availability of multiple antihypertensive drugs, many patients struggle with adherence and long-term control. A new and promising approach in hypertension therapy involves gene silencing through small interfering RNA (siRNA). One such investigational therapy is Zilebesiran, a novel siRNA-based drug designed to provide long-lasting blood pressure reduction.



What is Zilebesiran?

Zilebesiran is an experimental therapeutic developed by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. It works on the principle of RNA interference (RNAi)—a natural biological process where short strands of RNA block the production of specific proteins.

The target of Zilebesiran is the angiotensinogen (AGT) gene in the liver. Angiotensinogen is the precursor molecule in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a central role in regulating blood pressure. By silencing the AGT gene, Zilebesiran reduces the production of angiotensinogen, thereby lowering blood pressure through long-lasting suppression of RAAS activity.

How Does It Work?

  1. Zilebesiran is delivered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin).

  2. The siRNA molecule enters liver cells and binds to the messenger RNA (mRNA) that codes for angiotensinogen.

  3. This binding triggers RNAi, which degrades the AGT mRNA.

  4. As a result, the body produces less angiotensinogen, lowering downstream angiotensin II levels.

  5. This leads to sustained reductions in blood pressure, lasting for months after a single dose.

Advantages Over Traditional Drugs

  • Long-acting: One injection can maintain blood pressure control for up to six months.

  • Improved adherence: Patients don’t need to remember daily pills.

  • Novel mechanism: Unlike ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or diuretics, Zilebesiran acts upstream by preventing angiotensinogen production itself.

  • Potential for combination therapy: It may be combined with existing antihypertensives for added benefit.

Clinical Trials and Research

Early-phase clinical trials have shown that Zilebesiran can significantly reduce blood pressure with effects lasting several months. Ongoing Phase II and Phase III studies are investigating its safety, efficacy, and long-term benefits in larger patient populations.

Preliminary results suggest:

  • Substantial 24-hour blood pressure reduction.

  • Consistent effects during both daytime and nighttime.

  • Good tolerability with mild side effects like injection-site reactions.

Future Perspectives

If approved, Zilebesiran could revolutionize the management of hypertension. It may particularly benefit:

  • Patients with poor adherence to daily medications.

  • Individuals with resistant hypertension.

  • Populations in areas with limited healthcare access, where fewer annual treatments would be more practical.

Conclusion

Zilebesiran represents a bold step forward in the fight against hypertension. By leveraging cutting-edge siRNA technology, it provides a potentially safe, long-lasting, and effective solution to one of the world’s most prevalent health problems. While more research is needed before widespread use, the early results are highly promising.


International Conference on Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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