When it comes to modern medicine’s efforts to control high blood pressure and protect the heart, Valsartan holds a significant place. Known chemically by its CAS number 137862-53-4, Valsartan is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) prescribed globally for treating a range of cardiovascular conditions. But beyond the prescriptions and patient usage, there is intriguing chemistry, history, and pharmacology behind this molecule that makes it worth understanding for students, researchers, and curious minds alike.
What Is a CAS Number and Why It Matters
A CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) Registry Number is a unique numerical identifier assigned to every chemical described in open scientific literature. In this case:
CAS No. 137862-53-4 refers uniquely to Valsartan — no other compound shares this exact code.
This number is essential in scientific communication because it avoids ambiguity when referring to specific molecules, especially those with long or multiple names.
Chemical Identity of Valsartan
At the molecular level, Valsartan belongs to a class of compounds known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Its chemical structure is defined by:
- A biphenyl backbone
- A tetrazole ring
- Several functional groups that enhance its binding to specific receptors
In simpler terms, Valsartan’s shape and chemical features allow it to interact precisely with certain proteins in the body — a design that isn’t accidental, but rather the result of targeted medicinal chemistry.
How Valsartan Works in the Body
At the heart of its usefulness is Valsartan’s mechanism of action.
Inside the human body, a hormone called angiotensin II causes blood vessels to tighten (constrict), which increases blood pressure. Valsartan works by blocking the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor. This prevents the hormone from binding effectively, leading to relaxation of blood vessels, reduced resistance, and therefore lower blood pressure.
This mechanism results in two major clinical benefits:
1. Blood Pressure Control
By preventing vasoconstriction, Valsartan helps maintain a healthier range of blood pressure values. This reduces the risk of complications associated with hypertension — including stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.
2. Heart Protection After Cardiac Events
Valsartan is often prescribed for patients who have experienced heart failure or a previous heart attack. By reducing the strain on the heart, it helps improve cardiac output and can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Medical Uses and Indications
Though the central use of Valsartan is blood pressure regulation, its clinical applications extend further:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Valsartan is widely used as a first-line or add-on therapy for elevated blood pressure. - Heart Failure Management
In certain cases, Valsartan helps improve heart function and reduce symptoms of chronic heart failure. - Post-myocardial Infarction Care
Patients recovering from heart attacks may benefit from Valsartan’s protective effects on the heart.
Safety Profile & Common Side Effects
Like all medications, Valsartan does not come without side effects. Most side effects are mild, but awareness is key. Commonly reported effects include:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Digestive issues (e.g., nausea)
More serious but rare effects can include:
- Significant drops in blood pressure
- Elevated potassium levels (hyperkalemia)
- Renal impairment in vulnerable individuals
It’s important to note that safety profiles depend heavily on dosage, co-existing medical conditions, and other medications a person may be taking.
Valuing the Research Behind Valsartan
The existence of a molecule like Valsartan — with its specificity and clinical benefits — is the outcome of decades of pharmaceutical research. Scientists identified critical biological targets (like the AT1 receptor) and designed molecules with complementary shapes and activities. Analyses such as structure-activity relationships (SAR), pharmacokinetic profiling, and receptor binding studies were crucial in bringing this compound from concept to clinical use.
Furthermore, Valsartan’s journey reflects the importance of interdisciplinary science: organic chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and clinical medicine all played roles in transforming a chemical entity into a therapeutic agent.
Environmental and Quality Considerations
From an industrial and regulatory perspective, the synthesis and distribution of Valsartan require stringent quality controls. Because APIs like Valsartan are ingested by patients worldwide, their purity, stability, and absence of impurities are critically monitored by health authorities.
Additionally, environmental concerns related to pharmaceutical waste and production processes are increasingly part of discussions around large-scale synthesis of chemical APIs — ensuring that environmental releases are minimized and managed responsibly.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Number
While “CAS No. 137862-53-4” may sound like an abstract code reserved for laboratory catalogs, it represents a molecule that has real, measurable impact on human health. Valsartan stands as a testimony to modern medicinal chemistry — a carefully designed compound that interacts with biological systems in a highly specific way.
Understanding the chemistry and biology behind such molecules deepens our appreciation of pharmaceutical science and highlights the complex interplay between chemical identity and therapeutic action.
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