SIX-MONTHLY JAB TO REPLACE PILLS

WEIGHT loss and exercise are normally the first things doctors suggest to tackle high blood pressure, but more surprising options are being identified.

In 2017, scientists in Germany found that high-salt diets in both mice and humans were killing off ‘friendly’ gut bacteria called Lactobacillus murinus.

These help to keep high blood pressure at bay by preventing inflammation in blood vessels that might restrict circulation, leading to a rise in readings.

Replacing the bacteria with the aid of daily probiotic yoghurts containing similar ‘friendly’ microbes seemed to push blood pressure down again, reported the journal Nature.

Other studies found having a healthy gut bacteria profile may also help blood pressure drugs work more effectively.

Around half of those prescribed tablets for high blood pressure in the UK stop taking them within 12 months — some are unable to tolerate the sideeffects. But could a jab get around this?

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust are trialling a drug called zilebesiran, which is injected into the arm once every six months. It reduces levels of a hormone called angiotensinogen, which triggers the tightening of veins and arteries that drives up blood pressure.

Tests on 84 volunteers found one jab cut levels of the hormone by 90 per cent and significantly lowered blood pressure. A trial involving more than 600 people will run until 2025.