2025 marks a transformative year in the field of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment in India. For those living with this debilitating condition, hope has always been a distant dream. However, the availability of sotatercept—a groundbreaking biologic therapy—has breathed new life into the PAH field. As one of the first institutions to introduce sotatercept for PAH patients in India, we’ve witnessed some of the most remarkable clinical improvements that highlight not just the potential of the drug, but also the resilience and courage of the patients and caregivers who inspire us every day.

Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a highly experienced pulmonary hypertension specialist in Mumbai, India, has been at the forefront of this clinical innovation. Sotatercept, which has already shown significant promise in global clinical trials, is now delivering real-world results that are hard to ignore. This blog outlines the early experience of sotatercept use for the first four PAH patients in India, and the profound impact it has had on their quality of life.

• Limited Access to Therapy: Parenteral prostanoids, key for high-risk cases, are not widely available in India.
• Financial and Logistical Barriers: Long-term treatments like subcutaneous or intravenous therapy are difficult for many patients outside major cities

Given these challenges, sotatercept’s subcutaneous dosing every three weeks offers a practical advantage, making it easier for patients to manage their treatment while potentially reducing the need for more intensive therapies. Dr. Prashant Bobhate, Pediatric Cardiologist in Mumbai, emphasizes the need for accessible treatment options, particularly in underserved areas, where patients face greater hurdles in managing their condition.

In this section, we highlight the first four cases of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) treated with sotatercept (brand name Winrevair) at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai. These patients under the care of Dr Prashant Bobhate were suffering from severe PAH. Importantly, three of the patients were totally dependent on their wheelchairs at the time of the first visit. After continuing the treatment for over six months, the patients exhibited remarkable improvement that was comparable to the outcomes of the global STELLAR trial. This local experience highlights the high efficacy of sotatercept in bringing a positive change to the lives of patients with advanced PAH.

At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, our journey with sotatercept is just one part of a larger commitment to improving outcomes for PAH patients in India. Led by Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a renowned Pediatric Cardiologist in Mumbai, we are pushing the boundaries of PAH research and collaboration:

• Digital Stethoscope and AI-based Early Detection: We are developing innovative tools for early diagnosis of CHD and PAH using advanced digital stethoscopes and AI technologies to detect cardiovascular anomalies at the earliest stages, leading to better outcomes.

• Multicenter Yoga Study: Initiated with 35 patients, this study focuses on the potential of yoga as an adjunct to traditional PAH treatments, helping patients improve functional capacity and quality of life.

• ICMR-Recognized Centre of Excellence for PAH: Our institution is actively participating in three national clinical studies to further understand PAH and its treatment in the Indian context.

These initiatives, combined with the positive clinical outcomes from sotatercept therapy, underscore the transformative changes happening in PAH care in India. We are not only providing better treatments but also striving to make early detection and holistic care a reality for all patients.

Sotatercept is redefining the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) in India. Early experiences, including four patients at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, show significant improvements in functional capacity, haemodynamics, and disease risk profile, aligning with global trial results.

For Indian clinicians, sotatercept represents a shift from vasodilatory management to disease modification, especially for patients with CTD-PAH and limited access to parenteral alternatives. As access expands and more real-world data is collected, larger registries will help assess its performance in India’s unique patient population.

2025 marks a hopeful year for PAH care in India, with sotatercept leading the way in changing the treatment landscape and improving patient outcomes across the country.

• Hoeper MM, et a1. STELLAR Trial. NEJM, 2023.
• Rajagopal S, et a1. PULSAR Trial. NEJM Evidence, 2021.
• HYPERION Trial. New England Journal ofMedicine, September 2025.
• Mantoo MR, Majeed MW, Roy A. Efficacy and safety of sotatercept in pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian Heart Journal, January 2026.
• Gomez Rojas O, et a1. Real-world performance of sotatercept in PAH with cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Pulmonary Circulation, 2025.

With over 12 years of experience in his field, Dr. Bobhate specializes in the management of pediatric heart failure in Mumbai, combining cutting-edge diagnostics with personalized treatment plans to ensure the best care for children at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. He is well-versed in dealing with both congenital and acquired conditions of the heart and is thus a professional of high repute for managing infant heart failure.

Wondering what pediatric heart failure is and how it affects children? Here’s an overview of this serious condition.

Pediatric heart failure occurs when a child’s heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to insufficient blood flow to organs and tissues. It can be caused by congenital heart defects, infection, cardiomyopathy, or other heart-related conditions. Symptoms of pediatric heart failure can vary but often include fatigue, rapid breathing, and swelling. Timely intervention is crucial, as untreated heart failure can lead to long-term complications or even life-threatening conditions.

How to spot the early signs of pediatric heart failure? Let’s explore the top warning signs you should look out for in your child.

Unexplained fatigue and weakness are some of the first signs of pediatric heart failure. When the body’s organs are not receiving oxygen and nutrients due to poor blood flow, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and low energy can occur. Children may have difficulty engaging in play or sports due to extreme tiredness.

Rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure in children. When the heart is not pumping blood properly, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. This may be accompanied by shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or while lying down. Babies may show signs of labored breathing or irregular chest movements.

If the heart fails to pump the blood properly, it results in the accumulation of fluids within the body and hence it causes swelling, especially in the lower limbs, abdomen or face. This is known as edema and can be a sign of heart failure’s progression. Swelling around the abdomen may also cause discomfort and difficulty in feeding, particularly in infants.

In infants and toddlers, poor feeding and poor weight gain are common indicators that may be seen in cases of heart failure. Inability to pump blood by the heart implies that less blood reaches the digestive tract. Children with heart failure may tire easily when being fed. They fail to gain proper nutrition.

Fluid accumulation in the lungs in children with heart failure can cause coughing or wheezing. Fluid accumulation within the tissues of the lungs happens when the pumping function of the heart is compromised. The cough, in most cases, is dry, persistent, and exacerbated when one is physically active or when sleeping.

Unsure how pediatric cardiologists diagnose heart failure in children? Let’s dive into the diagnostic process and the tests involved.

Wondering how pediatric heart failure is treated? Here are the treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

• Medications

Medications like diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta-blockers help reduce fluid buildup, lower blood pressure, and improve heart function.

• Lifestyle Modifications

A balanced diet, managing salt intake, and adequate rest are necessary for managing heart failure in children.

• Cardiac Surgery or Interventions

In severe cases, surgical interventions or catheter-based procedures may be needed to correct congenital heart defects or improve heart function.

• Cardiac Rehabilitation

After stabilization, children may benefit from a rehabilitation program to improve heart strength and endurance.

Recognizing the warning signs of pediatric heart failure early can make all the difference. Timely intervention, appropriate treatment, and ongoing care are crucial to improving outcomes and ensuring a better quality of life. Dr. Prashant Bobhate’s approach combines advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care to help children with heart failure live healthier, more active lives.

Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a highly experienced pediatric cardiologist in Mumbai, emphasizes that timely detection and treatment can significantly improve a neonate’s quality of life. “Neonatal heart disease is a major cause of morbidity, but early diagnosis and effective management can reduce long-term complications,” says Dr. Bobhate, who specializes in pediatric cardiology in Mumbai.

Congenital heart disease in the newborn refers to abnormalities in relation to the structure and function of the heart, which are present at birth.” This abnormality is also present in the heart, which was present at birth, and could include but not be limited to, the heart tissues, valves, and blood vessels. As stated above, congenital abnormalities, which include heart defects, could lead to severe complications if not identified early, which could lead to complications related to the blood reaching different parts of the body, including giving oxygenation. Examples of heart disease could include atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, and patent ductus arteriosus.

Recognizing the early signs of heart disease in neonates can be challenging, as many symptoms are subtle. However, some key indicators include:

 Certain factors increase the likelihood of a newborn developing heart disease, such as:

Diagnosing heart disease in neonates requires a detailed evaluation, including:

Depending on the type of cardiovascular problem, treatment may be one of the following: Treatments for different types of cardiovascular disease include different

The long-term prospects for infants with congenital heart disease are highly dependent on the level of heart disease present and the timing of the treatment for said disease. With early detection and treatment, many infants will lead a healthy,. However, for many infants, regular medical assistance, including possible surgeries, will be required.

It is important to identify the symptoms of heart disease within the newborns to ensure proper treatment on time. Although it may not be easy for the parents to notice the symptoms, collaboration with a pediatric cardiologist can greatly help them. Dr. Prashant Bobhate will help them with expert care for heart disease symptoms within the newborns, providing them with the best treatment necessary to ensure a healthy life.

Struggling with shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling due to pulmonary hypertension (PH)? Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe condition where the blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs becomes elevated, putting undue pressure on the heart. If left untreated, it can lead to heart failure and other life-threatening complications. In the most severe cases, a lung transplant for pulmonary hypertension may be considered as a final treatment option to improve quality of life and survival rates.

“A lung transplant is often the last resort when all other interventions fail to control PH,” says Dr. Prashant Bobhate, a distinguished pediatric cardiologist in Mumbai. “However, with timely diagnosis and intervention, many patients can avoid reaching that point.”

Dr. Prashant Bobhate has over a decade of experience in diagnosing and managing PH. He specializes in providing comprehensive care for PH patients, recommending lung transplant for pulmonary hypertension in Mumbai only when necessary, while focusing on interventional treatments and therapies to improve heart and lung function.

At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Dr. Bobhate offers personalized, minimally invasive treatments aimed at improving quality of life and preventing severe outcomes, such as the need for a transplant.

Unsure what pulmonary hypertension exactly is? Let’s break down the condition and its impact on heart and lung function.

As a result, the heart struggles to pump blood effectively to the lungs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and swelling in the legs or abdomen. PH can be caused by various factors, including congenital heart defects, chronic lung diseases, or blood clots in the lungs.

Wondering if a lung transplant is the right option for PH? Let’s explore when this life-changing treatment becomes necessary.

Lung transplant is considered when pulmonary hypertension is severe and other treatments—such as medications, oxygen therapy, and minimally invasive procedures—no longer provide relief. This may include cases where PH has led to irreversible damage to the lungs or heart, or when there’s a significant decline in the patient’s ability to function normally.

Dr. Bobhate suggests considering transplant in the following scenarios:

Let’s delve into the factors determining transplant eligibility in PH patients.

Are there nonsurgical options prior to transplant? Let’s explore the alternatives available for the effective management of pulmonary hypertension.

Before considering a lung transplant, Dr. Bobhate typically pursues multiple minimally invasive PH treatment options that include the following:

Thinking about the risks and advantages of a lung transplant for PH? Let’s evaluate both sides of this life-changing procedure.

Let’s walk through the key stages of this life-saving procedure.

Lung transplant can offer new hope for those with severe pulmonary hypertension who have exhausted other treatment options. Timely intervention, expert care, and a structured approach are critical for a successful outcome.

Dr. Prashant Bobhate offers advanced, effective treatment for pulmonary hypertension in both adults and children. His personalized approach ensures that each patient receives the most suitable treatment, whether through medications, minimally invasive procedures, or a transplant.

Disclaimer: The information shared in this content is for educational purposes and not for promotional use

Looking for the Best Fetal Echocardiogram Specialist in Mumbai? Dr. Prashant Bobhate is a leading expert in fetal echocardiography and pediatric heart care. He is highly regarded for his precise diagnosis and treatment of heart issues during pregnancy. With extensive experience and expertise, you can trust that you and your baby will receive exceptional healthcare services. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit the website.