Renin inhibitors: novel agents for renoprotection or a better angiotensin receptor blocker for blood pressure lowering?

Abstract

Aliskiren, the first in a new class of orally effective direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) was recently approved for the treatment of hypertension. In this review, we discuss the history of the development of DRIs and available data regarding the effects of DRIs in the treatment of hypertension and related target organ damage.