News

People with connective tissue disease (CTD) and systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) who are positive for anti-U1 RNP antibodies have better chances of longer-term survival. The study, “Characteristics and Survival of Anti–U1 RNP Antibody–Positive Patients With Connective Tissue Disease–Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension,” was published in the journal…

The Orlando Health Heart Institute’s Pulmonary Hypertension Program was recently recognized as an accredited comprehensive care center through the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA)’s accreditation program for Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers (PHCCs). Qualifying PHCCs are either designated as a  PHA-accredited Center of Comprehensive Care (CCC) or PHA-accredited Regional Clinical Program (RCP) based on…

A recent Japanese study suggested that it might be more advantageous to combine sildenafil with ambrisentan than with bosentan as a therapy for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Researchers found that bosentan reduced the concentration of sildenafil in the plasma when the drugs were taken together, while sildenafil combined with ambrisentan…

Don Stevenson, also known as the Pacing Parson, is marking his 80th birthday with a 1,000-mile benefit and awareness walk for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), a nonprofit group dedicated to extending and improving the lives of those affected by pulmonary hypertension (PH). The PHA is asking the public to support Stevenson in his efforts.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) recently announced the three pulmonary hypertension (PH) researchers chosen to receive its 2015 Robyn Barst Pediatric PH Research and Mentoring Awards. According to a press release, the three $50,000 award winners, whose work will also be mentored for a year, are: David Brian…

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) announced that three more centers recently received Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center (PHCC) accreditation, raising the total number of PHA-accredited clinics to 32 across the U.S. In addition to acknowledging a high level of patient care, accreditation allows these centers to contribute to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Registry…

Prostacyclin analogs have substantially improved pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment, but the use of these drugs is hampered by the difficulties and risks of treating patients with continuous intravenous infusions. A new overview highlighted the development of oral prostacyclins, focusing on the drug treprostinil (Orenitram). The overview was published under the…

Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) carrying mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor type II (BMPR2) gene have a worse prognosis, namely decreased survival rates and higher risk for lung transplantation. The findings were in a study titled “BMPR2 mutations and survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension: an…

People newly diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are at greater risk of disease progression than PAH patients sick for more than six months, a finding that highlights the importance of early treatment, researchers reported. Their study, “Incident and prevalent cohorts with pulmonary arterial hypertension: insight from SERAPHIN“, was published in the…

Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., recently announced that the selective IP receptor agonist Uptravi (selexipag) has been granted Notice of Compliance (NOC) approval by Health Canada for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Uptravi (selexipag) was originally discovered and synthesized by Nippon Shinyaku as an oral, prostacyclin receptor agonist formulated…

A study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham showed that the immune receptor TLR4 is important for regulating the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Mice lacking the gene for TLR4 spontaneously developed PAH, indicating a protective role for the immune factor. Chronic hypoxia — low levels of oxygen —…

A case report from Texas Children’s Hospital described a 5-year-old boy with a newly identified mutation in the BMP9 gene leading to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Many PAH cases are associated with genetic mutations, most frequently in the immune-related TGF-beta signaling pathways. BMP9 – also known as GDF2 – belongs…