Blood Pressure Treatment Breakthrough: New Science Reveals Success
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New Drug baxdrostat Shows Promise in Lowering Blood Pressure for Treatment-Resistant Hypertension
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A Phase III clinical trial led by University College London (UCL) researchers demonstrates notable blood pressure reduction with baxdrostat, offering hope for the 1.3 billion people globally with uncontrolled hypertension.
Last updated: August 31, 2025, 18:54:56 UTC
The Challenge of Treatment-Resistant Hypertension
Globally, approximately 1.3 billion people live with high blood pressure (hypertension). A significant portion – around half of those affected – experience uncontrolled or treatment-resistant hypertension. This means their blood pressure remains dangerously high despite taking multiple medications. These individuals face a considerably elevated risk of severe health complications, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death.
In the United Kingdom alone, an estimated 14 million people are living with hypertension. Finding effective treatments for those who don’t respond to existing therapies is a critical public health priority.
Baxdrostat: A Novel Approach
The international BaxHTN trial, spearheaded by Professor Bryan Williams of the UCL Institute of cardiovascular Science and sponsored by AstraZeneca, investigated the efficacy of baxdrostat. This new drug is administered as a once-daily oral tablet.
The trial involved nearly 800 patients across 214 clinics globally. The study received support from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Center at University College london hospitals (UCLH).
Baxdrostat works by inhibiting aldosterone synthase, an enzyme involved in the production of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure. By reducing aldosterone levels, baxdrostat helps the body eliminate excess sodium and water, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Trial Results: Significant Blood Pressure Reduction
The results, presented on August 30th, 2025, at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress 2025 in Madrid and concurrently published in the new England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure among patients taking baxdrostat.
After 12 weeks of treatment, patients receiving baxdrostat (1 mg or 2 mg once daily) experienced an average blood pressure reduction of approximately 9-10 mmHg more than those receiving a placebo. This difference was statistically significant, suggesting a genuine therapeutic effect.
| Treatment Group | Average Blood Pressure Reduction (mmHg) |
|---|---|
| Baxdrostat 1mg | 9-10 (compared to placebo) |
| Baxdrostat 2mg | 9-10 (compared to placebo) |
| Placebo | Baseline |