Anti-Hypertensive Drugs Market

Can Anti-hypertensive Drugs Worsen Condition of COVID-19 Patients?

Anti-hypertensive drugs are under scrutiny for reducing the symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus). However, in many research journals, it has been found that these drugs carry the potential risk of increasing the abundance of SARS-CoV-2 receptors, which is the virus that causes coronavirus. As such, these claims are being argued by Carlos Ferrario, a professor of general surgery at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. Increased media coverage for boosting the levels of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in anti-hypertensive drugs has prompted many patients to call their doctor for consultations.

Medical associations such as the American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology have suggested consumption of anti-hypertensive drugs due to a lack of evidence to support ACE inhibitors. Companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are maintaining steady supply chains since COVID-19 is closely related to the respiratory system of hypertension patients.

Thiazide Diuretics, Chlorthalidone, or Hydrochlorothiazide: Which is Better for Reducing Mortality Rates?

Anti-hypertensive drugs are being publicized for reduced fatal outcomes and improved clinical characteristics in elderly COVID-19 patients. It has been found that dyspnea and fatigue were significantly improved in COVID-19 patients with the help of calcium-channel blockers (CCB) and thiazide diuretics. Companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are increasing their output capabilities in thiazide diuretics, as they are the first line of treatment for hypertension. Thiazide-type diuretics, chlorthalidone, and indapamide have demonstrated to be superior in both treatment and cost efficiency.

Thiazide diuretics are emerging as an alternative to hydrochlorothiazide, as the former is better at decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are manufacturing chlorthalidone for patients who opt for mono-therapy. This drug is boosting market growth, as it controls blood pressure and prevents morbidity and mortality. Chlorthalidone is a close alternative to hydrochlorothiazide, since the former decreases systolic blood pressure.

Oral Medications Help Overcome Limitations of Transcutaneous Drug Delivery

Hypertension is one of the most significant medical conditions in a large population globally. However, low oral availability of drugs is hampering the growth of the anti-hypertensive drugs market. Despite the large armamentarium of drugs for high blood pressure management, there is a growing need for alternative drug delivery systems. As such, the transcutaneous delivery of drugs is emerging as a potential alternative for efficient management of high blood pressure.

Transcutaneous delivery of anti-hypertensive drugs is found to improve clinical outcomes. However, possible challenges such as skin irritation and limited iontophoretic transport of medications through micro-needles are inhibiting the growth of the anti-hypertensive drugs market. Hence, pharma companies are increasing their R&D in oral medications to overcome limitations of transcutaneous drug delivery.

Combination Therapy Addresses Inadequacies in Mono-therapy in High Risk Patients

If a patient fails to respond to mono-therapy, combination therapy can be preferred for efficient high blood pressure management. In order to meet patient needs, companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are producing ACE inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers. As such, a combination of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and thiazide diuretics is found to significantly improve patient quality of life. It has been discovered that the combination of benazepril-amlodipine is superior to benazepril-hydrochlorothiazide combination, since the former helps to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with high risk.

Benazepril-amlodipine combination is gaining increased popularity for decreasing the progression of nephropathy in high-risk patients. Companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are diversifying their production activities in loop diuretics, alpha blockers, hydralazine, and minoxidil, among others, to capitalize on business opportunities.

Companies Divest Rights to Manufacturers to Focus on New Medicine Portfolios

The loss of patent protection for anti-hypertensive drugs has compelled companies in the healthcare industry to adopt alternative business strategies. For instance, AstraZeneca— a science-led biopharmaceutical company, has agreed to sell its commercial right to Atnahs Pharma (Atnahs) for its Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), and Zestril (lisinopril) drugs  to focus on the pipeline of new medicines. Manufacturers in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are increasing efforts to retain their commercial rights in the U.S., India, and Japan, since these countries are projected for exponential growth during the forecast period.

Companies in the anti-hypertensive drugs market are shifting their focus from non-core mature brands to investments in new medicine portfolios in order to gain a competitive advantage over other market players. As such, tenormin (atenolol) is being highly publicized for lowering the risk of death after a heart attack. There is a growing demand for drugs that cater to congestive heart failure and hypertensive renal disease.