Current medicinal options for pulmonary hypertension include prostanoids, endothelin-receptor antagonists (ERAs) such as Macitentan, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers. A recent addition to this list is riociguat, a novel drug developed by Bayer under the name Adempas.
Riociguat was approved by the FDA in October 2013. According to a press release from Bayer, riociguat is indicated for use in “adults with persistent/recurrent CTEPH after surgical treatment or inoperable CTEPH to improve exercise capacity and WHO functional class.” It is also indicated to treat patients in the less severe WHO Group 1 category to improve exercise capacity and prevent WHO functional class worsening.
