News

Effectiveness of PAH Therapy Boosted by Use of Nanoparticles in Animal Study

The delivery and efficiency of ethyl pyruvate (EP), an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent, was significantly improved in a rat model of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) when encapsulated in nanoparticles (NPs). The study, “Intratracheal instillation of ethyl pyruvate nanoparticles prevents the development of shunt-flow-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in a rat…

Pulmonary Hypertension Testimony: Shani’s Story

Pulmonary hypertension is a respiratory disease characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Being a rare and progressive disorder, it may be lonely to suffer from pulmonary hypertension. In this video, 25-year-old Shani shares her story of pulmonary hypertension, a disease she was diagnosed with when she was…

Echocardiography May Be Easier Way to Predict Outcomes in PAH Patients

Measuring right ventricular (RV) function in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using echocardiography is useful to predict patients’ prognosis, according to researchers at the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo in Italy. This may be of clinical relevance because echocardiography is cheaper and provides faster results than standard techniques, such as cardiac magnetic resonance…

PHA Dallas Conference Sets Attendance Record, Celebrities Thanked

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions in Dallas, Texas broke an attendance record for the organization’s 25-year history of events for awareness, scientific advancement and strong community connection. Patients, families, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates and others —including celebrities Terrence J and Chloe Temtchine – were among…

Pulmonary Hypertension Association Receives Grants, Gives Recognition

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) was awarded during its 12th International Conference and Scientific Sessions, in Dallas, two new grants to support its work in pulmonary hypertension (PH). To mark the organization’s 25th anniversary also, PHA also awarded several individuals for advocacy, awareness, volunteerism and fundraising service, at the June 17 –…

EMA Halts Use of Adempas (Riociguat) for PH Associated Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Union parallel to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), advised that the therapy Adempas (riociguat) should not be prescribed to patients with PH associated with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (PH-IIP). According to a press release, EMA’s recommendation was supported by results of a Phase 2…

Approved Drug, 4-PBA, Eased ER Stress and Artery Pressure in PAH Rat Model, Study Reports

A drug approved for a genetic condition called urea cycle disorder — sodium 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) — shows a protective effect for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by decreasing pulmonary artery pressure and mean right ventricular pressure in a PAH rat model. The study, “4-Phenylbutyric Acid Induces Protection against Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in…

Positive Interim Results from PAH Extension LARIAT Trial Reported by Reata

Reata Pharmaceuticals has reported positive interim results from the extension Phase 2 LARIAT clinical trial assessing bardoxolone methyl for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The LARIAT trial is assessing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of bardoxolone methyl compared to a placebo in patients with PAH. The study aims to determine the recommended…

Questionnaire for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients to Help Determine Quality of Life

Researchers from the U.S., Germany, Switzerland, and the U.K. have developed a new questionnaire, to help assess symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and the disease’s impact on patients’ lives. The questionnaire, called PAH-SYMPACT, was created following guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include patient reported outcomes…

2-Year Study of Riociguat as CTEPH Treatment Identifies Predictive Disease Markers

Recently published data from the CHEST-2 clinical trial showed that riociguat (Adempas) is both safe and effective as a longer term treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). The study also identified two predictive biomarkers distinguishing CTEPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and their concentrations serve as prognostic guides of…