Study of the Initial Combination of Bosentan With Iloprost in the Treatment of Pulmonary Hypertension Patients

Phase Ⅲ Study of the Initial Combination of Bosentan With Iloprost in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Patients

Previous studies suggest that combinations of existing therapies may be effective for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, all of these studies are sequential combination therapy, for example, by adding sildenafil to previously prescribed bosentan. This kind of therapy model is not enough for PAH patients, especially those with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class Ⅲ and Ⅳ. In this randomized, multicenter study, the investigators evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining inhaled iloprost, a prostacyclin analog, with the endothelin receptor antagonist bosentan in treatment naive patients with PAH by comparing with bosentan monotherapy. Efficacy endpoints include change from baseline in 6-min-walk distance (6-MWD), modified (NYHA) functional class, hemodynamic parameters, and time to clinical worsening.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 10 to 80
• treatment naive symptomatic PAH
• 6-MWD of 100-425 m
• resting mean pulmonary artery pressure greater than 25 mm Hg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure less than 15 mm Hg, and pulmonary vascular resistance of 240 dyn.s.cm-5 or greater.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with thromboembolic disease,
• untreated obstructive sleep apnea,
• portal hypertension,
• chronic liver disease or renal insufficiency,
• left-sided or unrepaired congenital heart disease,
• substantial obstructive (FEV1/FVC<50% predicted) or restrictive (total lung capacity<60% predicted) lung disease
• Patients receiving phosphodiesterase inhibitors or other prostanoids and endothelin receptor antagonists