Baxdrostat works by blocking the production of aldosterone, a hormone that helps the kidneys regulate salt and water balance. Excess aldosterone causes the body to hold excess salt and water, increasing blood pressure and making it difficult to control. Previous studies have found that baxdrostat reduces seated systolic blood pressure among patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension.
In the current study, researchers conducted a phase 3, multinational, placebo-controlled trial involving 796 patients with seated systolic blood pressure between 140 mm Hg and 170 mg Hg despite receiving other antihypertensive medications. After a two-week placebo run-in period, the researchers randomly assigned patients on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive a 1mg dose of baxdrostat, a 2 mg dose of baxdrostat, or a placebo once per day for 12 weeks.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found that patients taking baxdrostat experienced 9-10 mm Hg greater reductions in blood pressure than those taking a placebo. Furthermore, around 40% of patients reached healthy blood pressure levels compared to less than 20% of those taking a placebo.
"Achieving a nearly 10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure with baxdrostat in the BaxHTN Phase III trial is exciting, as this level of reduction is linked to substantially lower risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease." lead investigator, Prof Bryan Williams of University College London’s Institute of Cardiovascular Science, said in a press release.
"The results suggest that this drug could potentially help up to half a billion people globally - and as many as 10 million people in the UK alone, especially at the new target level for optimal blood pressure control,” said Williams.
The trial was funded by AstraZeneca and others.
Sources: New England Journal of Medicine, Science Daily