Repurposing Valsartan May Protect Against Pulmonary Hypertension

What this Trial Is About

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) causes strain on the right side of the heart, which can lead to right heart failure. Unlike left heart failure, there are currently no treatments directly targeting right heart function. Researchers are evaluating valsartan, a medication typically used for high blood pressure and left heart failure, to see if it can help strengthen the right heart in adults with PAH. This is a Phase 2 randomized placebo-controlled trial studying valsartan's safety and clinical effect over 24 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either valsartan 40 mg capsules or placebo capsules twice daily for 24 weeks. Study visits will occur at weeks 0, 2, 12, and 24, with most visits lasting 20 to 30 minutes in addition to usual clinic appointments. While visits at weeks 2 and 12 may be done remotely, echocardiograms will be done at the start and end of the study. Some participants may choose to undergo optional exercise testing or right heart catheterization at weeks 0 and 24. During the study, participants will be monitored through clinical assessments including echocardiograms and questionnaires about heart function and quality of life. The main outcome measured is the six-minute walk distance over 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes include changes in heart function measurements, heart failure classification, biomarkers, quality of life scores, and frequency of increased pulmonary hypertension treatments. The total participation time is 24 weeks, with safety and clinical data collected throughout.

Repurposing Valsartan May Protect Against Pulmonary Hypertension