New drug Baxdrostat shows lasting effects on high blood pressure
Baxdrostat may lower blood pressure for up to two years after treatment ends, offering hope for millions.
New research indicates that Baxdrostat, a novel medication for high blood pressure, can maintain lower blood pressure levels for up to two years after patients discontinue its use. This study, reported by mirror.co.uk, highlights the potential of the drug to reverse one of the primary causes of hypertension even after treatment has stopped.
During a six- to twelve-month treatment period, patients taking Baxdrostat experienced significant improvements in their blood pressure. Remarkably, some patients were able to stop all hypertension medications and maintain normal blood pressure levels for an extended period. Professor Morris Brown, a hypertension expert at Queen Mary University of London, noted that nearly a quarter of the patients achieved complete remission from their condition.
Baxdrostat functions by inhibiting the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water in the kidneys. Excessive aldosterone production is linked to increased blood pressure. Unlike previous treatments that targeted aldosterone receptors and caused side effects, Baxdrostat directly addresses the hormone's production, providing a more effective solution for patients with resistant hypertension.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) is currently assessing Baxdrostat, with the possibility of it becoming available through the NHS next year. Previous trials involving 796 patients demonstrated that those on Baxdrostat experienced a blood pressure reduction of 9-10 mmHg compared to a placebo, with about 40% reaching healthy blood pressure levels.
The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that the drug may offer a curative approach for primary aldosteronism. While the initial results are promising, further studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects and potential cures for patients. Professor Mason Freeman from Harvard University emphasized the importance of larger trials to validate these findings and their implications for future hypertension treatment strategies.
