Vericiguat — Another Victory for Targeting Cyclic GMP in Heart Failure

This editorial discusses the molecular basis and therapeutic promise of cyclic GMP modulation in heart failure. Drawing on pioneering discoveries in nitric oxide and natriuretic peptide signaling, the article highlights vericiguat a soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator as a pharmacologic advance born from decades of basic science. The piece reviews earlier animal and phase 2 studies, culminating in the VICTORIA trial that demonstrated vericiguat's ability to reduce hospitalization risk in high-risk heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. Although mortality benefits were not seen, the article applauds the compound’s mechanism and tolerability profile, and advocates for future research to explore combinatory therapies and precision targeting based on biomarkers such as cyclic GMP and atrial natriuretic peptide.

This editorial discusses the molecular basis and therapeutic promise of cyclic GMP modulation in heart failure. Drawing on pioneering discoveries in nitric oxide and natriuretic peptide signaling, the article highlights vericiguat a soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator as a pharmacologic advance born from decades of basic science. The piece reviews earlier animal and phase 2 studies, culminating in the VICTORIA trial that demonstrated vericiguat's ability to reduce hospitalization risk in high-risk heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. Although mortality benefits were not seen, the article applauds the compound’s mechanism and tolerability profile, and advocates for future research to explore combinatory therapies and precision targeting based on biomarkers such as cyclic GMP and atrial natriuretic peptide.