A Direct Renin Inhibitor Aliskiren: Re-Evaluation of Effectiveness

The RAAS is an important pharmacologic target as the system is involved in cardiovascular (CV) and renovascular disease. Ang II is the key component of RAAS. The intervention to the RAAS can be achieved in different stages. While angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are two big groups that target the RAAS, aliskiren a direct renin inhibitor that became clinically feasible in 2007 with the launch of aliskiren. In this review, we will discuss direct renin inhibition as a new concept for pharmacotherapy of hypertension and aliskiren, the first oral direct renin inhibitor, as a new class of antihypertensive drug based on new evidence.