Direct Inhibition of Renin

From the beginning of the history of renin angio-tensin system (RAS) with the renal extracts in1898 it still continues to be exciting. After angio-tensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) andangiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), direct renin inhibitors (DRI) recently entered the RASarena. With the increasing evidence, RAS inhibi-tion is an important treatment strategy in hyper-tension. Results of ongoing and future clinicaltrials with specific populations and focusing onprotection of end-organ damage will enrich ourknowledge and understanding on direct renin inhibition.