AstraZeneca's Baxdrostat Cuts Resistant High Blood Pressure in Global Trial

AstraZeneca's experimental drug baxdrostat is showing groundbreaking promise in treating high blood pressure, especially in patients whose conditions are resistant to existing medications. In a global trial involving nearly 800 patients, baxdrostat reduced systolic blood pressure by approximately 9-10 mmHg more than placebo, with about 40% of patients reaching healthy blood pressure levels compared to fewer than 20% on placebo. The drug works by blocking aldosterone, a hormone regulating blood pressure and salt balance, targeting what researchers consider the core problem in resistant hypertension. Experts call baxdrostat a potential "game changer" that could help up to half a billion people worldwide, including around 10 million in the UK. The significant blood pressure reductions seen with baxdrostat could translate into a 40% lower risk of stroke and a 25% lower risk of heart disease. Researchers and clinicians highlight this as one of the most impactful advances in hypertension treatment in decades, addressing a major public health challenge.