Vasopeptidase Inhibitor Omapatrilat Versus ACE Inhibitor: Similar Neurohormone Effects in Heart Failure

Omapatrilat (vasopeptidase inhibitor) and lisinopril (ACE inhibitor) had similar effects on neurohormones and inflammatory cytokines in heart failure patients, with omapatrilat also lowering natriuretic peptide levels — suggesting additional benefit.

Sheth, Tej et al.·The American journal of cardiology·2002·Moderate EvidenceRCT
RPEP-00769RCTModerate Evidence2002RETHINKTHC RESEARCH DATABASErethinkthc.com/research

Quick Facts

Study Type
RCT
Evidence
Moderate Evidence
Sample
Not reported

What This Study Found

Omapatrilat and lisinopril had equivalent effects on angiotensin II, aldosterone, and inflammatory cytokines in CHF, but omapatrilat additionally reduced natriuretic peptide levels, suggesting superior cardiac functional improvement.

Key Numbers

How They Did This

Randomized controlled trial comparing omapatrilat versus lisinopril in chronic heart failure patients. Neurohormones (ANP, BNP, angiotensin II, aldosterone, endothelin), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and hemodynamics measured.

Why This Research Matters

Direct comparison shows vasopeptidase inhibition provides all ACE inhibitor benefits plus additional natriuretic peptide modulation — supporting the dual-inhibition concept despite clinical limitations.

The Bigger Picture

This head-to-head comparison validated the vasopeptidase concept that later evolved into sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto). The neurohormonal similarity plus NP difference supported the rationale for dual inhibition.

What This Study Doesn't Tell Us

Omapatrilat was subsequently limited by angioedema risk. The NP reduction mechanism (improved function vs degradation) could not be definitively determined.

Questions This Raises

  • ?Does the additional NP effect translate to clinical outcome benefit?
  • ?Why didn't omapatrilat achieve approval despite promising neurohormonal data?
  • ?Does sacubitril/valsartan show the same neurohormonal profile?

Trust & Context

Key Stat:
ACE benefits + more Omapatrilat provided all lisinopril's neurohormonal benefits PLUS additional natriuretic peptide reduction — supporting the concept that became Entresto
Evidence Grade:
Moderate evidence from a randomized comparison with comprehensive neurohormonal profiling in heart failure.
Study Age:
Published in 2002. Omapatrilat was not approved due to angioedema, but the concept evolved into sacubitril/valsartan (Entresto), which achieved landmark clinical success.
Original Title:
Comparison of the effects of omapatrilat and lisinopril on circulating neurohormones and cytokines in patients with chronic heart failure.
Published In:
The American journal of cardiology, 90(5), 496-500 (2002)
Database ID:
RPEP-00769

Evidence Hierarchy

Meta-Analysis / Systematic Review
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cohort / Case-Control
Cross-Sectional / ObservationalSnapshot without intervening
This study
Case Report / Animal Study
What do these levels mean? →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was omapatrilat better than ACE inhibitors?

The neurohormonal data said yes — it had all the ACE inhibitor benefits plus additional natriuretic peptide modulation. But clinical development was halted by angioedema risk, leading to the refined approach in Entresto.

Is this related to Entresto?

Yes. Omapatrilat proved the concept of dual inhibition but had safety issues. Entresto achieves the same dual benefit (neprilysin + RAAS inhibition) with a safer design, and is now a standard heart failure treatment.

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Cite This Study

RPEP-00769·https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00769

APA

Sheth, Tej; Parker, Tom; Block, Alan; Hall, Christian; Adam, Albert; Pfeffer, Mark A; Stewart, Duncan J; Qian, Chunlin; Rouleau, Jean L. (2002). Comparison of the effects of omapatrilat and lisinopril on circulating neurohormones and cytokines in patients with chronic heart failure.. The American journal of cardiology, 90(5), 496-500.

MLA

Sheth, Tej, et al. "Comparison of the effects of omapatrilat and lisinopril on circulating neurohormones and cytokines in patients with chronic heart failure.." The American journal of cardiology, 2002.

RethinkPeptides

RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Comparison of the effects of omapatrilat and lisinopril on c..." RPEP-00769. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/sheth-2002-comparison-of-the-effects

Access the Original Study

Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.

This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.