What the trial was testing
The CALIBRE enrolled 176 patients with hypertension. The study was sponsored by Emory University and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
Candesartan improved memory recall and problem-solving compared to lisinopril in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
JAMA network open · 2020 · NCT01984164
These findings — that candesartan showed better results on memory and thinking tests than lisinopril — were published in the JAMA network open and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 176 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with hypertension, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Both candesartan and lisinopril are FDA-approved blood pressure medications. This study suggests candesartan may offer extra benefits for memory and thinking in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. If you have high blood pressure and are concerned about memory, talk to your doctor about whether candesartan might be right for you.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open hypertension trials
Efficacy and Safety of a Releasable Intraluminal Suture Technique to Reduce Hypotony Following Glaucoma Surgery Using the Preserflo Device
Glaucoma is a common and irreversible disease of the optic nerve. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. Glaucoma can be treated with medication, laser therapy, or surgery; the latter is often necessary. Traditional surgeries are invasive and carry a high rate of complications (hypotony, endophthalmitis, cataracts, etc.). Consequently, several types of micro-invasive surgeries (MIGS) and less invasive but effective surgeries, LIGS, have been developed to reduce surgical risks while maintaining effectiveness in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). PRESERFLO is a drainage system less than 1 mm thick that regulates the outflow of aqueous humor from the eye. It is made of a soft, flexible biomaterial that conforms to the curvature of the eye. This biomaterial does not trigger a negative immune response. PRESERFLO is an example of a recently developed, powerful LIGS procedure (with preliminary results demonstrating efficacy and safety). PRESERFLO is already in use in France (marketing authorization and CE marking obtained) and is covered by social security. This technique is highly effective in lowering IOP, but it may be associated with hypotony, although less frequently than with trabeculectomy. The use of a releasable suture placed inside the Preserflo to limit drainage and, consequently, reduce the risk of hypotony has been described with good results in preliminary studies. Nevertheless, it is necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technical modification in a randomized, prospective clinical trial to better understand whether this modification is beneficial for improving the treatment of patients with glaucoma.
Induced Hypertension in Acute PRogrESsive Perforating Artery Stroke Using Peripheral Dilute noREpinephrine
PRESSURE is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open, blinded end-point assessed (PROBE) trial, that aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of drug-induced hypertension using peripheral dilute norepinephrine, in patients with acute ischemic stroke in a perforating artery territory and experiencing early neurological deterioration.