This innovation repurposes an FDA-approved antibody to treat and prevent aortic stiffening and resistant hypertension (RH). This mechanism-based therapeutic, inhibits receptor mediated inflammatory and pro-stiffness signaling to reduce aortic stiffness and improve blood pressure control, ultimately breaking the root cycle of hypertension. Background: Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and premature mortality, with prevalence increasing with age. Despite the availability of multiple medications, more than half of patients’ blood pressure (BP) remains uncontrolled, and millions develop resistant hypertension, which is defined as persistently elevated BP despite treatment with three or more antihypertensive drug classes, including a diuretic. RH affects over 10 million individuals in the U.S. and approximately 200 million worldwide, contributing more than $1 trillion annually to U.S. healthcare costs, with its burden rising as the population ages. Persistent uncontrolled hypertension leads to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart failure, aortic dissection, renal failure, and premature death. The incidence of RH rises sharply with age, largely driven by aortic stiffening, a process accelerated by both aging and high BP, creating a vicious cycle of vascular dysfunction. Current therapies primarily target hemodynamic factors (e.g., vasodilation or sodium balance) but do not to reverse aortic stiffness, leaving a critical gap in the management of RH. Applications:
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