New blood-pressure jab could replace daily pills

What's the news: A twice-a-year injection lowers blood pressure for months.

Why should we believe it: This news was announced last week at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. The treatment, called zilebesiran, uses RNA interference to reduce the production of a hormone that causes the constriction of blood vessels.

Zilebesiran needs to be given only once every six months, unlike daily blood pressure medications. A single treatment with zilebesiran lowered 24-hour average systolic blood pressure by more than 15mmHg without significant side effects.

Why this is a big deal: With high blood pressure prevalent and often poorly managed, a twice-a-year shot offers a more attractive solution. The lead researcher on this study said his patients were “standing in line” to get the new drug.

Looking beyond blood pressure, this development points to a future where medical treatments become easier, longer-lasting, and benefit more people.

So what's next: A Phase 2 trial of zilebesiran is underway. If successful, zilebesiran will progress to a larger Phase 3 trial and could become a standard treatment for high blood pressure.