[Vasopeptidase inhibition: a new mechanism of action--a new antihypertensive drug].

The novel principle of vaso-peptidase inhibition is based on the simultaneous inhibition of two enzymes, the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and the neutral endopeptidase (NEP) by a single drug. NEP participates in metabolism of various natriuretic and vasodilatating peptides produced by atria and ventricles of the heart and endothelium (arterial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide and C-Type natriuretic peptide). The orally effective vaso-peptidase inhibitor omapatrilate has recently become available. This substance reduced blood pressure in hypertensive patients in a dose-dependent fashion. It is tolerated as well as ACE inhibitors and seems to ameliorate mainly systolic pressure.