Safety and efficacy of rodatristat ethyl for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (ELEVATE-2): a dose-ranging, randomised, multicentre, phase 2b trial

Therapeutic targets for pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights into the emerging landscape

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive, life-threatening disease driven by vascular remodeling, right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, and metabolic and inflammatory dysregulation. Current therapies primarily target vasodilation to relieve symptoms but do not reverse disease progression. The recent approval of sotatercept, which modulates BMP/TGF-β signaling, marks a shift toward anti-remodeling therapies. Building on this, recent preclinical advances have identified promising therapeutic targets and potentially disease-modifying treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This review synthesizes the evolving preclinical landscape of emerging PAH therapeutic targets and drugs, highlighting innovative approaches aimed at addressing the underlying mechanisms of disease progression. Additionally, we discuss novel therapeutic strategies under development.

EXPERT OPINION

Recent advances in PAH research have identified novel therapeutic targets beyond vasodilators, including modulation of BMP/TGF-β signaling, metabolic programs, epigenetics, cancer-related signaling, the extracellular matrix, and immune pathways, among others. Sotatercept represents a significant advance in therapies that go beyond vasodilation, and long-term safety, efficacy, and durability are being assessed. Future treatment strategies will focus on precision approaches, noninvasive technologies, and regenerative biology to improve outcomes and reverse vascular remodeling.

New therapies in pulmonary arterial hypertension: Recent insights

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a complex and progressive disease characterized by elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and right heart failure. Current therapies primarily focus on pulmonary vasodilation; however, novel approaches that target the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms-such as TGF-β signalling, epigenetic alterations, growth factors, inflammation, and extracellular matrix remodelling-are promising alternatives for improving treatment outcomes. This is a review of recent advances in the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for PAH. The first section of this paper explores approaches targeting TGF-β signalling, both acting directly on receptors through drugs like Sotatercept and exogenous BMP9, and indirectly, inhibiting the degradation of key receptors, such as BMPR2. Subsequent sections describe treatments that target epigenetic regulators, e.g. poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) inhibitors and direct BRD4 antagonists, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Seralutinib), and therapies aimed at inflammation, such as IL-6 inhibitors, CD-20 inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies that prevent macrophage migration. Finally, strategies that target the serotonin pathway, and other metabolic and hormonal pathways are described. This review includes both preclinical and clinical trial data that support efficacy, safety and the future potential of such therapies. Collectively, these therapeutic approaches can be valuable in treating PAH by targeting multiple aspects of its pathogenesis, potentially resulting in improved clinical outcomes for patients affected by this debilitating, life-limiting condition.