Gemopatrilat is a vasopeptidase inhibitor, that was found to inhibit plasma and renal angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), as well as renal neutral endopeptidase (NEP). Gemopatrilat is rapidly absorbed, and causes inhibition of circulating and renal ACE and renal NEP after a single oral dose for up to 48 hours in rats. Potentially, this is because the free sulfhydryl group of gemopatrilat forms reversible disulfide linkages with plasma and tissue proteins and is thus eliminated from the body at a very slow rate. Similar metabolism of the compound was found in rat, dog, and human. Gemopatrilat was evaluated for its potential in treatment of antihypertensive activity in hypertension (independent of age, renin and salt status or ethnic origin), as well as its potential as a new therapeutic modality for the treatment of congestive heart failure. The drug was never marketed. A phase II study for treatment of hypertension and heart failure has been discontinued.