New Experimental Drug Shows Promise in Lowering Uncontrolled Hypertension by 15 Points

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have identified a promising new treatment for individuals battling treatment-resistant high blood pressure, also known as uncontrolled hypertension. The investigational medication, lorundrostat, targets the hormone aldosterone, which plays a significant role in blood pressure regulation. Elevated levels of aldosterone are often linked to hypertension that does not respond well to standard therapies.

In a recent Phase II clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants receiving lorundrostat experienced an average reduction of 15 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) in systolic blood pressure, the top number in a blood pressure reading. This was compared to a 7 mmHg reduction in those who received a placebo. The study involved 285 participants across multiple centers, including UC San Diego Health and the Cleveland Clinic, and aimed to assess the drug’s efficacy and safety in a diverse patient population.

The trial protocol included a 12-week period during which all participants were on standardized antihypertensive medications. Those in the treatment group received lorundrostat, which inhibits aldosterone production, while the control group received the placebo. Blood pressure was continuously monitored throughout the study, revealing significant improvements in systolic readings among the treated group.

"Most participants had previously found it difficult to control their blood pressure with existing medications," said Dr. Michael Wilkinson, principal investigator of the study. "While some individuals still had elevated readings after the trial, these results are encouraging, especially considering the challenging nature of treatment-resistant hypertension."

High blood pressure affects nearly 120 million Americans and is a leading contributor to heart disease. Often, hypertension presents no symptoms, making detection and management critical. This research suggests that lorundrostat could become a valuable tool in addressing hypertension driven by aldosterone dysregulation, a frequently overlooked cause of high blood pressure.

Future research will involve larger, Phase III trials to confirm these findings and further evaluate the drug’s safety profile. The diversity of the trial population also offers hope for more inclusive treatment options for individuals at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The study’s co-authors include experts from the Cleveland Clinic, University of Washington, University of Maryland, and several other institutions.

This innovative approach highlights the potential for targeted therapies to improve blood pressure control for those unresponsive to current treatments, offering new hope for managing this widespread health issue.