An emerging strategy for targeted therapy of pulmonary arterial hypertension: Vasodilation plus vascular remodeling inhibition

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rapidly progressing disease with limited therapeutic options. Studies have elucidated the multifactorial pathological characteristics of PAH, indicating the complexity and difficulty of PAH treatment. Currently available treatments focus primarily on vasodilation rather than on vascular remodeling, although several drugs have been developed for the latter. This paradigm for management leads to PAH remaining an incurable disease; thus, there is an urgent need to explore new strategies for coping with this devastating disease. In this review, we discuss current strategies and options for PAH therapy and emerging novel therapeutic approaches in PAH treatment. This viewpoint suggests a shift in PAH treatment strategy from mono-activity to dual effects on vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling.