One of the great mysteries of medicine is how much tests, procedures and doctor’s visits cost. Unlike everything else, there is no price list or actual cost for these things. Each insurance company and plan has a different negotiated price. And the price varies depending on if the service is “in-network” or “out-of-network”. Ironically, patients who are paying with good … [Read more...]
Inhaled Nitric Oxide For Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
What is Nitric Oxide? Nitric oxide is a small molecule that is made by the cells lining the pulmonary arteries (vascular endothelium). It acts on the same blood vessels to promote blood vessel relaxation (vasodilation). Since the early 1980’s we have known that patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension have reduced levels of nitric oxide. When nitric oxide is not present … [Read more...]
Sleep Apnea and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a very common problem. Patients with this disorder experience repeated episodes of obstructing their airway when they sleep that culminates in transiently waking up from sleep. In simple terms this means that they repeatedly choke themselves and wake up for a very short period of time. Patients don't remember waking-up, as the … [Read more...]
Acceleron Launches a Phase 2 Study of Sotatercept for PAH
All of our existing therapies for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension act by vasodilation or relaxing blood vessels. The current medications fall into one of three basic classes: 1. PDE5 inhibitor a. Sildenafil (Revatio/Viagra) b. Tadalafil (Adcirca/Cialiis) c. Riociguat (Adempas—not truly a PDE5inhibitor but similar action) 2. ERA a. Ambrisentan (Letairis) b. … [Read more...]
Liquidia: Exciting New Clinical Trial in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Clinical trials are essential to improving the care of PAH patients. These clinical trials allow us to determine if new medicines are safe and effective. Clinical trials also allow us to make improvements to existing treatments. For example, we are eagerly awaiting the approval of the implanted pump for intravenous Remodulin. Another example of a company that is trying to … [Read more...]
