TRIDENT Trial Shows Triple-Pill Therapy Dramatically Reduces Recurrent Stroke in ICH Patients

Final results from the TRIDENT trial show that a single pill containing low doses of three different antihypertensives significantly reduces the risk of recurrent stroke in patients who have experienced intracerebral hemorrhage.

The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found that patients taking the triple combination pill had a 39% lower risk of another stroke compared to those receiving a placebo, alongside standard care.

Over a median follow-up of 2.5 years, recurrent stroke occurred in 4.6% of patients in the triple-pill group, compared to 7.4% in the placebo group.

The triple pill, known as GMRx2, contains telmisartan 20mg, amlodipine 2.5mg, and indapamide 1.25mg in a once-daily formulation.

The international trial involved 1,670 patients who had experienced intracerebral hemorrhage and had systolic blood pressure between 130-160 mmHg.

Researchers noted that lowering blood pressure remains the only proven method to prevent another stroke, but achieving consistent control is often difficult due to complex medication regimens, and undertreatment.

The study’s findings suggest that simplifying treatment with a single pill could improve adherence and blood pressure control in a high-risk population.

According to the research team, the results translate to approximately one stroke prevented for every 35 patients treated with the triple pill over the study period.

The TRIDENT trial was led by The George Institute for Global Health and conducted across multiple international centers.

No additional benefits beyond stroke reduction were reported in the published findings.