Innovative Drug Shows Promise in Reducing Resistant High Blood Pressure by Targeting Hormone Imbalance

A groundbreaking clinical trial has demonstrated that a new medication can significantly lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension, a condition where blood pressure remains dangerously high despite multiple treatments. Led by Professor Bryan Williams from University College London, the Phase III trial involved nearly 800 participants across 214 clinics worldwide, testing the effectiveness of baxdrostat—a tablet-based drug designed to address hormone imbalances that contribute to hypertension.

High blood pressure affects approximately 1.3 billion people globally, with about half of these cases being resistant or uncontrolled. Such persistent hypertension substantially increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and early mortality. In the UK alone, around 14 million individuals live with this condition.

The trial results, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 in Madrid and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that patients taking baxdrostat experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure of around 9 to 10 mmHg after 12 weeks. This decrease is significant enough to decrease cardiovascular dangers; notably, about 40% of patients achieved a healthy blood pressure level, compared to less than 20% in the placebo group.

Professor Williams highlighted the importance of these findings, stating that the reduction is linked to a considerably lower risk of heart-related complications. Baxdrostat functions by inhibiting aldosterone production, a hormone responsible for salt and water retention that raises blood pressure. Excessive aldosterone production is often a key factor in treatment-resistant hypertension.

Historically, high-income Western nations have had higher hypertension rates, but changing diets with less salt intake have shifted the prevalence toward Asian and lower-income countries. Currently, more than half of the affected population resides in Asia, with China and India having the largest numbers.

The potential impact of baxdrostat is immense, possibly helping up to 500 million people worldwide, including up to 10 million in the UK, especially at the targeted lower blood pressure levels recommended today. Professor Williams emphasizes that these findings offer hope for more effective management of resistant hypertension, driven by the recognition of aldosterone's role in difficult-to-control cases.

In conclusion, baxdrostat introduces a new approach by directly targeting the hormonal drivers of high blood pressure, paving the way for improved outcomes in millions of patients suffering from resistant hypertension.