Irbesartan benefits in the treatment of hypertension

Arterial hypertension (AH) is a global issue affecting 30–45% of adult population and represents the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular complications and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Patients with metabolic disturbances and diabetic nephropathy constitute an especially challenging category, exhibiting a high risk of cardiovascular events and rapid progression of renal dysfunction, which necessitates comprehensive therapy, including blood pressure control, correction of metabolic disorders, and organ protection. Among first-line agents, blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) — in particular, irbesartan — are of great importance. Irbesartan demonstrates the highest affinity for angiotensin II receptors (2–3 times greater than other sartans) together with PPAR-γ-modulating activity, providing not only effective blood pressure control but also reno- and cardioprotection. Large-scale studies (IRMA-2, IDNT, INCLUSIVE) have confirmed the ability of irbesartan to slow the progression of nephropathy and reduce albuminuria, independent of blood pressure control. Thanks to its optimal pharmacokinetics (bioavailability 60–80%, elimination half-life 11–15 hours) and the absence of a requirement for dose adjustment, irbesartan is considered a front-line therapy for patients with AH, CKD, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Keywords: arterial hypertension, chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, antihypertensive therapy, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocker, irbesartan. For citation: Ostroumova O.D., Litvinova S.V., Kochetkov A.I., Golovina O.V., Sinitsina I.I. Irbesartan benefits in the treatment of hypertension. RMJ. 2025;6:45–50. DOI: 10.32364/2225-2282-2025-6-9