Globally, there are 1.3 billion patients with hypertension, of whom fewer than one in five have their blood pressure (BP) under control.

While several drug classes are available for the management of raised BP, the prevalence of hypertension continues to increase in pandemic proportions.

New research has identified novel pathways and mechanisms for lowering BP.

Despite the disruption caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the conception, development and delivery of these novel drugs, several agents in preclinical trials are showing considerable promise in adequately controlling raised BP.