Sotatercept for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

(LIGHTRAY Trial)

This trial explores a new treatment called sotatercept for individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). PAH causes the blood vessels in the lungs to thicken and narrow, hindering blood flow. The study will compare two dosing methods of sotatercept to determine which is more effective and safer. Individuals with PAH who experience symptoms like reduced exercise capacity or shortness of breath may be suitable for this trial. Participants will continue their current PAH treatments while receiving sotatercept injections every three weeks. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that sotatercept is generally well-tolerated by people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). In earlier studies, adding sotatercept to other PAH treatments improved exercise capacity and reduced the likelihood of symptom worsening. Long-term studies indicate that the benefits of sotatercept outweigh the downsides.

Researchers are excited about sotatercept for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) because it introduces a novel approach by targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily, which is different from the standard therapies like endothelin receptor antagonists, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and prostacyclins. Most current treatments focus on relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow, but sotatercept works by potentially reducing the excessive proliferation of blood vessel cells, addressing a root cause of the disease. Additionally, sotatercept is administered via subcutaneous injection every three weeks, which could offer a more convenient dosing schedule compared to some existing treatments. These unique features have sparked interest in its potential to offer improved outcomes for PAH patients.

Studies have shown that sotatercept can help treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving exercise capacity and reducing the likelihood of symptom worsening. In this trial, participants will receive sotatercept using one of two dosing methods: weight-based or weight-banded, alongside their regular PAH medications. Earlier trials demonstrated that patients who took sotatercept with their regular PAH medications experienced overall improvement. The drug aids the blood vessels in the lungs, which can become thick and narrow in PAH, allowing blood to flow more easily. Early and ongoing research indicates that sotatercept offers a good balance of benefits and risks for people with PAH.¹²³⁴⁵