Winrevair: A New Treatment Option for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)

Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when there is increased pressure in the small blood vessels that send blood to the lungs. It is characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or fatigue. Since these symptoms are closely related to other lung conditions, PAH can be further diagnosed using blood tests, scans, clinical tests, but the best way to confirm is by doing a heart catheterization. It is important to note that if PAH is left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Until now, PAH has mainly been managed with medications like Opsumit or Revatio to help relax the blood vessels. These medications can help with symptoms, but many patients find that their condition may continue to progress despite being on multiple oral medications for their symptoms.

A new treatment option is now available: Winrevair (sotatercept). It is the first injectable medication for PAH. Instead of simply relaxing blood vessels, Winrevair targets the cell overgrowth that causes lung vessels to narrow in the first place. By doing this, it helps improve blood flow and reduce pressure in the lungs. For now, Winrevair is used in addition to standard PAH therapy, not in place of it.

In clinical studies, patients on Winrevair walked 40 meters farther during the six-minute walk test and had improvements across all key measures, which shows a significant benefit! Common side effects of this medication include nosebleeds, headache, diarrhea, and small visible blood vessels (telangiectasias). Increases in hemoglobin and decreased platelets can occur as well, which is why regular blood work is done.

Winrevair is a weight-based injection given every 3 weeks. The goal is for patients to self-inject, but if you need support, your Charlton Health team can help. Our pharmacists can train you for your first dose, or we can arrange ongoing injections with one of our nurses.

For more information on PAH, visit Pulmonary Hypertension Association Canada.

Joyce Ayad is a pharmacist at Charlton Health, who believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.

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