Scientists have developed baxdrostat, an innovative pill designed to lower blood pressure in patients whose condition does not respond to standard treatments.
The drug works by targeting aldosterone, a hormone that causes the body to retain salt and water, which in turn raises blood pressure.
Large clinical trials show that baxdrostat can reduce systolic blood pressure by 9–10 mmHg or more, helping many patients achieve healthier levels.
The BaxHTN Phase III trial, led by Professor Bryan Williams of UCL Institute of Cardiovascular Science and funded by AstraZeneca, tested baxdrostat on nearly 800 patients across 214 clinics worldwide.
Participants taking 1mg or 2mg daily experienced significant reductions in blood pressure within 12 weeks.
Approximately 40% reached target levels under 130/80 mmHg, double the proportion of patients who reached these levels on placebo.
A separate study, Bax24, confirmed even stronger results using 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, showing a 14 mmHg reduction versus placebo. These effects were sustained for up to 32 weeks, and no major side effects were reported, highlighting the drug’s safety profile.
Baxdrostat works by blocking aldosterone synthase, the enzyme responsible for producing aldosterone in the adrenal glands.
By doing so, it safely addresses the root cause of resistant hypertension, unlike older treatments that could raise potassium levels or affect nearby enzymes.
Professor Williams said the findings mark a significant advance in both the treatment and understanding of difficult-to-control blood pressure, offering renewed hope for millions of patients worldwide.
With half of treated patients still struggling to achieve blood pressure targets, baxdrostat provides a promising option where conventional therapies fall short, potentially reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease for those affected.
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