Losartan, the first angiotensin II receptor antagonist was introduced in 1994. Since then, five other antagonists have been launched for the management of hypertension. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II antagonists are as effective as other antihypertensive agents but with a better tolerability profile. The challenge with these agents is now to demonstrate their potential benefits on morbidity and mortality, and several very large clinical trials are therefore running in hypertension, congestive heart failure and diabetic nephropathy. In addition, research is focusing intensively on defining the role of angiotensin AT2 receptors, and the potential benefits of combining ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists.