Insights into repurposing telmisartan beyond its cardiovascular applications: Emphasis on the metabolic, neuroprotective, nephroprotective and anticancer potential

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, Egypt

3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Telmisartan, a long-acting angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB), is widely used to manage hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Its primary pharmacodynamic action involves selective inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), resulting in vasodilation, reduced blood pressure, and attenuation of cardiac afterload. Beyond its antihypertensive properties, telmisartan exhibits a unique pharmacological profile due to its partial agonistic activity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ), contributing to metabolic regulation and organ protection. Clinically, telmisartan is pivotal in preventing cardiac hypertrophy and remodelling by reducing myocardial fibrosis and improving ventricular compliance. It also exerts neuroprotective effects, potentially beneficial in mitigating neurodegenerative conditions, through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms. Renal protection is another critical benefit, as telmisartan reduces proteinuria and glomerular injury, making it effective in managing diabetic and non-diabetic nephropathies. Recent studies have revealed telmisartan’s anticancer potential across various malignancies, including glioblastoma, osteosarcoma, endometrial, and renal cancers. It induces apoptosis, inhibits cell proliferation, modulates the mTOR signalling pathway, and promotes DNA damage in tumor cells. The multifaceted pharmacological actions of telmisartan position it as a promising agent that can be repurposed beyond cardiovascular applications.

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Volume 9, Issue 2
Special issue in Pharmacology and Toxicology: Innovative Pharmacological Interventions for Different Diseases
October 2025
Pages 351-358