What drug is the only FDA-approved renin inhibitor?

Aliskiren is recognized as the only FDA-approved renin inhibitor. Renin inhibitors work by directly inhibiting the activity of renin, an enzyme involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which plays a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. By blocking renin, Aliskiren reduces the conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, ultimately leading to decreased formation of angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. This mechanism helps lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

The other choices represent different classes of antihypertensive agents but do not inhibit renin. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that works by relaxing blood vessels. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which prevents the action of angiotensin II at its receptor site. Each of these medications contributes to managing hypertension but operates through different pathways than renin inhibition.