Merck has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for a new drug to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare and life-threatening lung condition. The drug, Winrevair, is a significant breakthrough as it targets the root cause of the disease, unlike other available medications that only manage symptoms. This approval is a major win for the approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. living with this condition.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension occurs when the small blood vessels in the lungs narrow, leading to high blood pressure in the arteries. This can result in heart damage and limited physical activity, with a mortality rate of 43% within five years of diagnosis. Merck estimates that Winrevair will soon be available in select specialty pharmacies.
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