Hormone-based blood pressure pill possible

The Mayo Clinic scientists said the study supports the feasibility of developing a peptide-based drug that can be given in pill form to lower blood pressure and that is based on a hormone originating in the heart, called B-type natriuretic peptide. Our formulation of an oral peptide is a technological accomplishment that really can advance the field," said Dr. John Burnett Jr., director of the Mayo Clinic's Cardiorenal Research Lab, who led both studies. "Prior to this, it was unheard of that a peptide could be given orally because it is so rapidly degraded by stomach enzymes. Yet we overcame this significant constraint. This is the first report demonstrating that a peptide -- in this case, BNP -- can be developed by innovative technology to be absorbed orally.".... Whole article: "www.sciencedaily.com":[ http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070402-08285000-bc-us-peptides.xml]

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