Key points from article :
Scientists have developed a new pill called baxdrostat to treat stubborn high blood pressure. The drug targets people whose hypertension remains uncontrolled despite taking multiple medicines, a problem that affects nearly half of those diagnosed worldwide.
The BaxHTN trial included 796 patients from 214 clinics across several countries. Over 12 weeks, patients taking baxdrostat saw their blood pressure fall by 9–10 mmHg more than those on placebo.
Nearly 40% of patients on the drug reached healthy blood pressure levels, compared with fewer than 20% on placebo. Researchers say this reduction could significantly cut risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and early death.
The trial results were presented at the European Society of Cardiology congress in Madrid and published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study was led by Prof Bryan Williams of University College London and supported by AstraZeneca.
Baxdrostat works by blocking aldosterone, a hormone that makes the body hold onto salt and water. Too much aldosterone drives blood pressure up, and until now, scientists struggled to block its production effectively.
Experts believe this medicine could help hundreds of millions worldwide, particularly in Asia where hypertension rates are rising fast. One cardiologist described it as a valuable new option alongside existing treatments.
