Prostanoid therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Epoprostenol and the structurally related compounds treprostinil, iloprost, and beraprost are collectively referred to as prostanoids. The discovery of epoprostenol in 1976 and unequivocal demonstration of its efficacy in 1996 dramatically altered the approach to therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Development of prostanoids available through multiple routes of administration and the discovery and development of other agents acting through alternative pathways continue to expand the array of therapeutic options. The use of prostanoids in combination with other PAH drugs and for treating pulmonary hypertensive disorders outside of the PAH classification are areas of ongoing research.