This article, authored by Prof. Christophe Guignabert, Director of Research at Inserm – Université Paris-Saclay, France, explores the pathophysiology of pulmonary arterial hypertension, focusing on key mechanisms of disease progression. It notes that in the past three decades, significant advancements in treatment, with 12 new drugs, have improved patients’ quality of life, reduced short-term mortality risk and slowed disease progression but patients continue to face substantial challenges, including reduced exercise capacity and a poor prognosis.
Recent research into the activin signalling pathway is cited as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing the complex cellular processes driving the disease.
The article concludes that the complexity of pulmonary arterial hypertension demands advanced research approaches, leveraging emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and organ-on-chip models to unravel its molecular intricacies. By integrating preclinical data with clinical observations and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, researchers can develop more personalized therapies and identify reliable biomarkers for improved patient care.
Citation
Guignabert C. From basic scientific research to the development of new drugs for pulmonary arterial hypertension: insights from activin-targeting agents. Breathe (Sheff). 2025 Jan 21;21(1):240116. doi: 10.1183/20734735.0116-2024. PMID: 39845439; PMCID: PMC11747879.
The article is open access and can be viewed at this link