More than a billion people suffer from hypertension worldwide, but a new global trial could change how treatment is administered. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Barts Health NHS Trust are testing an investigational medication for high blood pressure, which would replace the daily pill regimen with an injection every six months. Trial scientists say it’s the first time an injection-based approach is being used with long-acting medication to treat high blood pressure. Researchers are testing the new treatment on 630 people worldwide, with the study expected to run through 2025.
According to Imperial College London and the World Health Organization, the number of adults with hypertension has doubled over the past 30 years. Hypertension is simple to diagnose and is usually treated with low-cost drugs, but almost half of those living with hypertension (53% of women and 62% of men) are not receiving treatment. Many don’t know they have high blood pressure. WHO puts a spotlight on the condition by recognizing May 17 each year as World Hypertension Day. Age, weight, diet, exercise, and sleep habits contribute to developing hypertension, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
