Research Area: Cardiovascular Disease
Biological Activity:
Olmesartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 7.7 nM. It is used to treat high blood pressure. Olmesartan works by blocking the binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors in vascular muscle; it is therefore independent of angiotensin II synthesis pathways, unlike ACE inhibitors. By blocking binding rather than synthesis of angiotensin II, olmesartan inhibits the negative regulatory feedback on renin secretion. As a result of this blockage, olmesartan reduces vasoconstriction and the secretion of aldosterone. This lowers blood pressure by producing vasodilation, and decreasing peripheral resistance. [1]