New drug shows promise in treating stubborn high blood pressure
Baxdrostat, a new drug, is showing real promise for people whose high blood pressure just won't budge—even with standard treatments.
It works by blocking aldosterone, a hormone that pushes blood pressure up, and does this without causing major side effects.
If it keeps working this well, Baxdrostat might offer hope to those who haven't had luck with existing meds.
In a recent global trial, people already on regular therapy
In a recent global trial, people already on regular therapy got either 1mg or 2mg of Baxdrostat—or a placebo.
Those taking the drug saw their systolic blood pressure drop by about 9 points (millimeters of mercury), which is pretty significant.
Some did experience higher potassium levels (a known risk when messing with aldosterone), but doctors managed this by adjusting doses and keeping an eye on things.
The results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and have the study's lead investigator expressing excitement about what's next for treating tough cases of hypertension.