Direct Inhibition of Renin

Abstract

From the beginning of the history of renin angiotensin system (RAS) with the renal extracts in 1898 it still continues to be exciting. After angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors (DRI) recently entered the RAS arena. With the increasing evidence, RAS inhibition is an important treatment strategy in hypertension. Results of ongoing and future clinical trials with specific populations and focusing on protection of end-organ damage will enrich our knowledge and understanding on direct renin inhibition.