treprostinil
Remodulin (treprostinil) is a prostacyclin mimetic from United Therapeutics used in pulmonary arterial hypertension (WHO Group 1) to diminish symptoms associated with exercise, and to support transition from epoprostenol. In the European Union, as Trepulmix, it is used in inoperable or persistent or recurrent chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
This page is based on the US prescribing information for Remodulin and the EMA medicine record for Trepulmix, cross-checked with MedlinePlus; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
In pulmonary hypertension the blood vessels of the lungs stay clamped tight, and the heart strains to push blood through them. Treprostinil mimics a natural relaxing signal, telling those vessels to open up so blood flows more easily.
In simple terms
Treprostinil copies the action of prostacyclin, a natural substance that relaxes blood vessels. By doing so it widens the vessels in the lungs, lowers the pressure the heart must pump against, and helps patients with pulmonary hypertension exercise with fewer symptoms.
In depth
Treprostinil is a prostacyclin mimetic: a stable analogue of prostacyclin (PGI2) that activates prostacyclin (IP) receptors. Receptor activation raises cyclic AMP, producing vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic vascular beds, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and reduced vascular remodelling. In pulmonary arterial hypertension this lowers pulmonary vascular resistance and improves exercise capacity. Treprostinil can be given by continuous subcutaneous or intravenous infusion, inhalation, or orally, depending on formulation.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
How prostacyclin mimetics open lung vessels and calm platelets
- In pulmonary hypertension the blood vessels of the lungs stay clamped tight, and the heart strains to push blood through them.
- Treprostinil copies the action of prostacyclin, a natural substance that relaxes blood vessels.
- By doing so it widens the vessels in the lungs, lowers the pressure the heart must pump against, and helps patients with pulmonary hypertension exercise with fewer symptoms.
- Receptor activation raises cyclic AMP, producing vasodilation of pulmonary and systemic vascular beds, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and reduced vascular remodelling.
Target: Prostacyclin (IP) receptor
A receptor on blood vessels and platelets whose activation widens vessels and limits clotting, effects that are lacking in pulmonary hypertension.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- Treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, WHO Group 1) to diminish symptoms associated with exercise
- Patients who require transition from epoprostenol, to reduce the rate of clinical deterioration
Approved uses in European Union
EMA- Treatment of adult patients with WHO Functional Class III or IV and inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH), or persistent or recurrent CTEPH after surgical treatment, to improve exercise capacity
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- openFDA drug label record for treprostinil (Remodulin)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, openFDA
- Trepulmix (treprostinil) — Summary of product characteristics and package leaflet, English version
European Medicines Agency
- MedlinePlus: treprostinil
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.