A new drug known as baxdrostat has shown promising results in the treatment of high blood pressure, with a small clinical study suggesting that some patients maintained normal blood pressure levels for up to two years after stopping the medication.
The findings have raised hopes among medical researchers investigating new ways to manage hypertension, particularly in patients suffering from primary aldosteronism, a condition in which the adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the body to retain salt and increases blood pressure.
The research was led by Professor Morris Brown, a hypertension specialist at Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom.
According to the findings, some patients who received baxdrostat experienced significant and lasting improvements in their blood pressure, even after completing treatment.
Professor Brown disclosed that just under a quarter of the participants were able to discontinue all their blood pressure medications while maintaining normal readings.
More than one billion people worldwide are estimated to be living with hypertension, including over 12 million people in the United Kingdom.
Primary aldosteronism is believed to account for between five and 10 per cent of hypertension cases. The condition is often associated with small nodules or non-cancerous growths on the adrenal glands, which cause excessive production of aldosterone.
Although surgery to remove an affected adrenal gland is a common treatment option, it does not always completely resolve high blood pressure, as other underlying factors may also contribute to the condition.
Baxdrostat belongs to a class of medicines known as aldosterone synthase inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of aldosterone, thereby reducing the hormone’s impact on the kidneys and helping to lower blood pressure.
The drug has also attracted attention because of its potential application in patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking existing medications.
The reported long-term benefits were observed in a small study involving 14 patients. Their blood pressure improved significantly during an initial three-month treatment period.
The participants subsequently continued taking daily doses of baxdrostat for between six and 12 months before stopping the medication.
Follow-up assessments revealed that their blood pressure remained lower for as long as two years after treatment ended.
The development could represent an important step in hypertension research, particularly for patients whose condition is linked to excessive aldosterone production.
However, researchers have cautioned that the findings should not be interpreted as proof that baxdrostat can permanently cure high blood pressure.
The study involved only 14 participants, meaning larger clinical trials are still required to establish the drug’s long-term effectiveness, safety and suitability for a wider population.
Meanwhile, health experts continue to advise people living with hypertension to follow medical guidance, monitor their blood pressure regularly and avoid stopping prescribed medications without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
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