Last reviewed · How we verify
ACE inhibitor
ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and thereby reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II and thereby reducing vasoconstriction and aldosterone release. Used for Hypertension, Heart failure, Post-myocardial infarction.
At a glance
| Generic name | ACE inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Quinapril, Aspirin , statins, Captopril or equivalent, conservative treatment, Angiotensin-converting enzyme blocker |
| Sponsor | University of Cambridge |
| Drug class | ACE inhibitor |
| Target | Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By inhibiting ACE, these drugs lower levels of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor and hormone that increases blood pressure and promotes sodium retention. This leads to vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, decreased cardiac workload, and improved renal perfusion. The mechanism is particularly beneficial in hypertension and heart failure by reducing both preload and afterload on the heart.
Approved indications
- Hypertension
- Heart failure
- Post-myocardial infarction
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Chronic kidney disease
Common side effects
- Persistent dry cough
- Hyperkalemia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Angioedema
- Hypotension
Key clinical trials
- Optimal Blood Pressure for the prevenTIon of Major vAscuLar Events in Patients With DIABETES Mellitus (OPTIMAL-DIABETES) (NA)
- A Trial Comparing Three Different Treatment Options for Adults With Low-Risk Myelodysplasia and Anemia (A MyeloMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- MYELOMATCH: A Screening Study to Assign People With Myeloid Cancer to a Treatment Study or Standard of Care Treatment Within myeloMATCH (MyeloMATCH Screening Trial) (PHASE2)
- A Study on Yiyang Huoluo Decoction in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Influenza Vaccination, ACEI and ARB in the Evolution of SARS-CoV2 Infection
- Study to Evaluate the Impact of Iptacopan on Top of SOC on Biopsy Changes in Kidneys of Adult Patients With IgAN (PHASE2)
- Venous Congestion And Cognitive Dysfunction After Cardiac Surgery
- A Study to Learn More About How Safe the Study Treatment Finerenone is in Long-term Use When Taken With an ACE Inhibitor or Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Over 18 Months of Use in Children and Young Adults From 1 to 18 Years of Age With Chronic Kidney Disease and Proteinuria (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- ACE inhibitor CI brief — competitive landscape report
- ACE inhibitor updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Cambridge portfolio CI