Drug to boost heart–kidney signaling for hard-to-treat high blood pressure
Novel Therapeutics for Cardiovascular Disease
Developing a new oral medicine that boosts a natural heart–kidney signaling pathway to lower blood pressure for people with resistant hypertension.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is developing a first-in-class small molecule that enhances the pGC-A/cGMP hormone pathway the heart and kidneys use to control blood pressure and reduce inflammation and scarring. Researchers have a lead compound (MCUF-651) and will refine its chemistry and study how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and clears it (ADME). They will test effects on blood vessels, kidney function, hormone levels, and markers of heart damage in preclinical models and human-focused studies. The goal is an oral treatment option for patients whose blood pressure stays high despite multiple medications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with resistant hypertension—blood pressure that remains uncontrolled despite multiple blood-pressure medicines—or those at high risk of cardiovascular complications.
Not a fit: People whose blood pressure is well controlled with current therapies or whose conditions are unrelated to cardiovascular hormone signaling are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a new kind of treatment that lowers blood pressure and protects the heart and kidneys for people with resistant hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel small-molecule approach—there are no approved pGC-A stimulators yet, though other therapies that modify cGMP signaling have demonstrated blood-pressure and heart effects.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sangaralingham, Sasantha Jeson — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Sangaralingham, Sasantha Jeson
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.